Flights to Gaithersburg, Maryland from NT$17,024

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Gaithersburg.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, pack in your passport, travel docs, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some great options. If you hope to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to make yourself as comfortable as you can. Layer yourself up in natural fibers and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets cool. Opt for a pair of roomy, flat shoes as your feet may swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• The condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation. Doing leg and foot exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce your risk.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your trip to Gaithersburg a pleasure. We've rounded up some top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.