Flights to Downey, Los Angeles from NT$15,109

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're well prepared. Check out these handy travel tips that will help get your Downey vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a pleasure if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

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 sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as swords and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove footwear like sneakers.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and move your legs and feet often.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Downey in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.