Flights to Alajuelita, San José from NT$36,812

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these essential travel tips that will help get your Alajuelita vacation started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you pack the right things. First of all you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare pair of socks and a good read. Secondly, leave space in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, any medications and maybe a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of your airplane are not the place for a fashion parade. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and don't forget to bring a cardigan as the temperature can drop inside the cabin on long-haul flights. Flat, enclosed shoes are also a wise idea.
• Unfortunately, a risk of flying long-haul is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To avoid this, take every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are also a great idea to help lower your risk.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will help make your trip to Alajuelita easy and painless. Below you'll find some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• First things first. Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.