Cheap Flights to Charleroi from HK$478

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've planned ahead. Take a peek at these handy travel tips that will help get your Charleroi escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a great experience if you carry the right things. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a few magazines. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, your important medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items 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 aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your trip to Charleroi easy and painless. Below you'll find some handy tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.