Flights to Charleston, Adelaide from NT$5,523

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your getaway in Charleston. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Wear layers and opt for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Charleston, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand 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 in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes 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 or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.