Flights to Richmond, Saint Mary from NT$93,424

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your time in Richmond. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some great options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and pick shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to remove.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

It's all about being prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Look out Richmond, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.