Flights to Glendale, from NT$2,875

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your vacation in Glendale.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are always good options. If you hope to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of your airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Wear comfortable clothes and remember to bring a sweater as it tends to get cool in the cabin on long-haul flights. Enclosed, flat shoes are also a wise idea.
• It's likely you've heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There's lots you can do to lower your risk. Don a pair of compression tights or socks, stay hydrated and move your legs and feet. Walk the aisles of the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

The trick is to be prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Glendale in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.