Flights to Ridgecrest, Black Mountain from NT$10,704

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these handy tips and tricks that will get your Ridgecrest vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and opt for flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some useful tips for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Ridgecrest, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, 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 will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.