Flights to Athol, Southland from NT$4,165

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your time in Athol. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh set of clothes and a good book. Next, make room in your bag for your laptop, a charger, medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Go for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some tips and tricks for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Athol, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.