Cheap Flights to West Des Moines from HK$2,164

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a worry-free start to your holiday in West Des Moines. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your trip to West Des Moines quick and painless. Here are some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.