Flights to Arnold, St. Louis from NT$10,588

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your getaway in Arnold. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some top tips for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Arnold, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board.