Cheap Flights to Cornell from HK$4,439

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. We've compiled a list of handy tips that will get your Cornell escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and poisons, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Cornell in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.