Cheap Flights to Dakar-Plateau from HK$1,201

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Dakar-Plateau. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• Most travellers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Dakar-Plateau easy and painless. We've compiled some top tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Be sure to have your ID and travel documents within easy reach. 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 is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.