Cheap Flights to Kota Bharu from HK$176

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. Follow these handy travel tips that will help get your Kota Bharu holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh 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 security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and opt for easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

It's all about being organised. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through security. Watch out Kota Bharu, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favourite hand and nail cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.