Flights to Kew Gardens, New York from NT$14,996

If you're not prepared, air travel can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a comfortable start to your time in Kew Gardens.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you've got all the right things. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of your aircraft are not the best place for a fashion parade. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and take a cardigan as the temperature can drop in the cabin. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also a good idea.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. But the great news is there are numerous ways to reduce your risk of developing it. Stay well hydrated, walk around the cabin as often as possible and wear compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Kew Gardens easy and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.