Flights to Bismarck, Illinois from NT$29,462

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your vacation in Bismarck. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise option, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out Bismarck, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. 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 quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.