Cheap Flights to Washington from HK$498

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey as enjoyable as possible. Follow our top tips and you'll be breezing through the airport and enjoying Washington in next to no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are good options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Most travellers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your lower limbs often.

It's easy — be prepared. We've rounded up some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Washington, here you come:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.