Flights to La Guardia, Santa Cruz from NT$20,237

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your flight as enjoyable as possible. Follow our top tips and you'll be hightailing it through the airport and seeing the best of La Guardia in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, official ID, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items to ensure you hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and pick shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some top tips for a stress-free trip through security. Look out La Guardia, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.