Flights to Washington, Pittsburgh from NT$6,023

We've rounded up all the info you need to make your journey a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and you'll be zooming through the airport and discovering Washington in next to no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and opt for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your lower limbs moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

The secret is to be organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Washington in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and travel documents easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.