Flights to West Point, Philadelphia from NT$6,596

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your vacation in West Point. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, important documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are always good options. If you hope to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, 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. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The secret is to be well organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to West Point in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand and nail cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.