Cheap Flights to Vals-les-Bains from HK$398

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. We've put together a list of handy hints that will help get your Vals-les-Bains holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, travel docs, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favourite movies are always good options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items to ensure you arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

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 nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to bring a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Vals-les-Bains in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Travelling with a new perfume? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.