Flights to Galena Park, Houston from NT$6,937

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a hassle-free start to your time in Galena Park. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you take the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean set of clothes and a good novel. Next, find a spot in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and wear flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your lower limbs often.

The trick is to be well organized before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Galena Park in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you on board.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.