Flights to Blaine, Minneapolis - St. Paul from NT$8,216

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your time in Blaine. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll hop off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and pick shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Blaine a breeze. Read through our handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• 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 bags.