Flights to Estancia, New Mexico from NT$5,691

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Estancia. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are always good options. If you hope to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume 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 choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The secret is to be well organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Estancia in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.