Flights to Indianola, Washington from NT$5,253

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well organized. Take a peek at these handy tips that will get your Indianola vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free travel experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and pick shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Make a point of walking around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Indianola in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.