Flights to Houston, Alaska from NT$9,180

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

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, 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:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Houston in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.