Cheap Flights to Muscat from HK$409

Depending on where you're coming from, your journey to Muscat could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. We've compiled some tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Muscat in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a great start:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass within easy reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Travelling with a new perfume or cologne? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.