Cheap Flights to Aix-en-Provence from HK$381

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your holiday in Aix-en-Provence. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, your medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and pick flat, closed-toe shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from 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 get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Aix-en-Provence in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.