Flights to Issaquah, Washington from NT$5,000

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Issaquah. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you carry the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, find room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've compiled some useful tips for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Issaquah, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• The X-ray machine comes 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.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.