Cheap Flights to Pekanbaru from HK$497

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in Pekanbaru. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Pekanbaru in a flash. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a terrific start:

• Have your boarding pass and ID handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, 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.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.