Cheap Flights to Black Earth from HK$1,562

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as stress-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be hightailing it through the airport and discovering Black Earth before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a phone filled with your favourite shows are some great options. If you intend to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be well organised before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Black Earth in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.