Cheap Flights to Cotonou from HK$5,214

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your flight a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be cruising through airport security and having a blast in Cotonou before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, important documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favourite shows are good options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Go for easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Cotonou in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents handy. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will 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 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-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• 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.