Cheap Flights to Basel from HK$509

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Basel.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, any vital medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your highest priority when picking what to wear on board. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen feet and ankles are quite common. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are always a sensible way to go.
• A serious condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation. Doing foot and leg exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this occurring. Wearing a good pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce the risk.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've pulled together some useful tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Basel, here you come:

• Keep your passport and boarding pass within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• After that, 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 headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.