Flights to Stafford, Houston from NT$3,677

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've planned ahead. We've compiled a list of handy hints that will help get your Stafford vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and ready 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 nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Layer yourself up in breathable clothing and take a cardigan in case you get cold. Opt for a pair of flat, well-fitting shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the stilettos and hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance flying is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To prevent this, take every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are another easy way to help lower your risk.

The trick is to be organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Stafford in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever 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.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.