Flights to Portland, Connecticut from NT$35,735

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey a stress-free experience. Follow our tips and you'll be cruising through airport security and discovering Portland in no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your trip to Portland a breeze. Check out our handy tips for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new hand cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• It's also likely that you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.