Cheap Flights to Tirana from HK$445

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Tirana escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Tirana in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.