Flights to Odessa, Texas from NT$17,866

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a comfortable start to your vacation in Odessa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by layering up, and wear flat, closed-toe shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for a speedy trip through security. Look out Odessa, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.