Flights to Waterloo, Iowa from NT$16,490

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as stress-free as possible. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be cruising through the airport and having a blast in Waterloo in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel docs, wallet and medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a few toiletry items so you'll arrive at your destination looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to pull on and off.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Waterloo easy and painless. Here are some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand and nail cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.