Cheap Flights to Medina from HK$585

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Medina holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Medina in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.