Flights to Bethesda, Washington from NT$25,650

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've planned ahead. Take a peek at these handy tips that will get your Bethesda escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be well organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Bethesda in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.