Flights to Hamilton, Scotland from NT$2,046

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're well prepared. Follow these handy tips that will help get your Hamilton escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, important documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are good options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and wear flat, closed-toe footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Hamilton in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand 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 in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.