Flights to Alexandria, Virginia from NT$24,482

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be zooming through the airport and enjoying Alexandria in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by donning layers, and opt for closed-toe, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be organized before you reach the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Alexandria before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, must also be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of 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.