Flights to Pittsfield, Massachusetts from NT$19,437

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a comfortable start to your vacation in Pittsfield. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a pocket knife hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a wise option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being organized before your flight will help make your trip to Pittsfield quick and painless. Below are some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and ID easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.