Cheap Flights to Leiden from HK$343

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight as pain-free as possible. Follow our insider tips and you'll be breezing through airport security and having a ball in Leiden in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting 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 your circulation.

The answer is simple — be organised. We've put together some useful tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Leiden, here you come:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often 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 in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.