No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. Check out these essential travel tips that will help get your Bangkok escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you've got all the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Bangkok quick and painless. Read through our handy tips and tricks for a swift journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.