Cheap Flights to Iowa City from HK$1,873

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey an enjoyable experience. Follow our insider tips and you'll be zooming through the airport and having a blast in Iowa City in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a stress-free experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a few magazines. Secondly, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Iowa City, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Travelling with your favourite hand and nail cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater 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.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.