Cheap Flights to Arcachon from HK$349

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Arcachon holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

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 sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to take a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To reduce your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out Arcachon, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.