Cheap Flights to Washington from HK$2,219

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've prepared well. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will get your Washington escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and opt for closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some useful tips for a speedy trip through security. Look out Washington, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be 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 valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.