Flights to Elmira, Michigan from NT$108,452

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips for a stress-free start to your getaway in Elmira. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, take on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to remove.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Elmira before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Traveling with your favorite perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.