Cheap Flights to Riga from HK$578

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to Riga could be completely painless or it could go on forever. We've rounded up some handy hints that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note. 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, travel documents, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've put together some useful tips for a stress-free trip through security. Look out Riga, here you come:

• Keep your passport and travel documents handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favourite cologne? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.