Cheap Flights to Al Khobar from HK$286

If you're not prepared, travelling can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Al Khobar. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare pair of socks and a good book. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, your medications and maybe a cosy neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a jacket in case it gets chilly 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.

The secret is to be well organised before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Al Khobar in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Travelling with your favourite cologne or perfume? Not a problem. 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 bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.