Flights to Livingston, Louisiana from NT$18,761

If you're poorly prepared, air travel 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 getaway in Livingston. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a cruisy experience if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a magazine or two. Secondly, make room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, blades, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The secret is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Livingston in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Have your boarding pass and passport at hand. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.