Cheap Flights to L'Étang-Salé from HK$7,669

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these handy tips that will help get your L'Étang-Salé holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and a good book. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The trick is to be organised before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to L'Étang-Salé in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your holiday off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.