Cheap Flights to South Bend , TX from CA $469

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in South Bend. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, put in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favourite shows are always good options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you step off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged 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.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Look out South Bend, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your passport and travel documents within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.