Flights to San Francisco, Caraga from NT$2,105

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to San Francisco could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. Below are some useful travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight can be as simple as your clothing choices. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you for it.
• Unfortunately, one risk of flying long-haul is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To avoid this, take every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help minimize this risk.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your getaway to San Francisco quick and painless. We've compiled some handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new hand cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater 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 baggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.