Cheap Flights to Minangkabau from HK$1,195

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. We've made a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Minangkabau escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favourite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items to ensure you hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, 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:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Minangkabau in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Have your passport and boarding pass handy. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.