Flights to Scottsboro, Alabama from NT$18,207

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your vacation in Scottsboro. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll arrive at your destination feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to bring a sweater in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your legs and feet often.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Scottsboro in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.