Flights to Hamden, New York from NT$13,540

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a worry-free start to your getaway in Hamden. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change 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 avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

Being prepared before your flight can make your getaway to Hamden quick and painless. Below are some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Have your travel documents and passport someplace easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.