Cheap Flights to Basel from HK$547

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight a pleasant experience. Follow our insider tips and you'll be speeding through the airport and exploring Basel in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you bring the right gear. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and wear closed-toe, flat footwear like sneakers.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

It's all about being prepared. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Basel, here you come:

• Be sure to have your boarding pass and ID at hand. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. 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 single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise 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 luggage. They won't be allowed on board.