Flights to Bryn Athyn, Philadelphia from NT$26,647

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a pleasant start to your time in Bryn Athyn. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by wearing layers, and pick closed-toe, flat shoes like sneakers.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your lower limbs often.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Bryn Athyn a breeze. We've rounded up some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID handy. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.