Cheap Flights to Bordeaux from HK$176

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and you'll be speeding through the airport and having a ball in Bordeaux in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a hassle-free flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Opt for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Bordeaux in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't have to dig around for them.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.