Flights to Smoketown, Pennsylvania from NT$67,103

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints for a comfortable start to your getaway in Smoketown. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a pleasure if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll want some toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a few magazines. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Go for slip-on footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

It's easy — be prepared. We've pulled together some helpful hints for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Smoketown, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything 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 to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.