Flights to Waterloo, Illinois from NT$20,501

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've planned ahead. Take a peek at these handy travel tips that will get your Waterloo vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like some electronic devices or a good book. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• 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.

It's easy — be prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Waterloo, here you come:

• Have your boarding pass and ID at hand. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.