Flights to Utica, Detroit from NT$10,256

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Utica. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some great options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The trick is to be well organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Utica before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.