Cheap Flights to Jiuquan from HK$1,408

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. We've put together a list of handy travel tips that will get your Jiuquan escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's all about being prepared. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out Jiuquan, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.