Flights to Gardena, Los Angeles from NT$17,467

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

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you carry the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and opt for shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some top tips for a stress-free trip through airport security. Look out Gardena, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.