Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these handy travel tips that will help get your Manila holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being prepared before your flight will make your trip to Manila easy and painless. We've rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater 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 valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.