Cheap Flights to South Bend from HK$4,216

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be speeding through airport security and exploring South Bend in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome travel experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and wear easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As savvy travellers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to South Bend before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• 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 quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.