Cheap Flights to Ashgabat from HK$3,970

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these handy travel tips that will get your Ashgabat holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by donning layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being organised before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Ashgabat a pleasure. Check out our useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Want to bring along your favourite hand cream? 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-close bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.