Flights to Columbia, Pennsylvania from NT$11,149

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your flight as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be hightailing it through the airport and seeing the best of Columbia before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Pick easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged 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 improve your circulation.

Being prepared before your flight will make your trip to Columbia easy and painless. We've compiled some handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required 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.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it's OK to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.