Cheap Flights to Al Jahra from HK$1,546

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these handy hints that will help get your Al Jahra holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a tablet filled with your favourite movies are some great options. If you hope to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

Being prepared before your flight can make your getaway to Al Jahra a pleasure. We've rounded up some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.