Flights to Brooklyn, New York from NT$19,685

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these handy tips that will help get your Brooklyn escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, important documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and opt for slightly roomy, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Brooklyn in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.