Cheap Flights to Council Bluffs from HK$5,009

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Council Bluffs. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Travelling on a plane can be a great experience if you pack the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare pair of socks and a magazine or two. Secondly, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, your important medications and maybe a cosy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's all about being organised. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out Council Bluffs, here you come:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.