Cheap Flights to Amsterdam from HK$4,018

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight a stress-free experience. Follow our insider tips and you'll be hightailing it through airport security and discovering Amsterdam in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the basics: passport, official ID, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Amsterdam, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.