Cheap Flights to Palembang from HK$1,390

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Palembang. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are always good options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be well organised before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Palembang in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.