Cheap Flights to Groningen from HK$9,397

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these handy tips that will get your Groningen holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Groningen before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favourite hand cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.