Cheap Flights to Calais from HK$1,289

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

• Travelling on a plane can be easy if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare change of clothes and a few magazines. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any vital medications and maybe a cosy neck pillow too. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and strong acids, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and pick flat, slightly roomy shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Calais quick and painless. Below are some handy tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.