Flights to Lancaster, California from NT$5,755

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these handy hints that will help get your Lancaster vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items so you'll arrive feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Lancaster a piece of cake. We've rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't have to dig around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.