Cheap Flights to Bishkek from HK$2,479

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Bishkek. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as possible. Choose a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organised before you get to the airport will make your trip to Bishkek quick and painless. Here are some handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.