Cheap Flights to Brakel from HK$1,411

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Brakel. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favourite shows are always good options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Pick shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to take a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your trip to Brakel a breeze. We've compiled some top tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.