Flights to Petersburg, Pennsylvania from NT$9,069

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Petersburg. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you pack the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a magazine or two. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, any daily medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and go for shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Petersburg in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.