Cheap Flights to Aachen from HK$469

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your flight a stress-free experience. Follow our insider tips and you'll be cruising through the airport and enjoying Aachen before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good read. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your trip to Aachen easy and painless. Below you'll find some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually 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 single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.