Flights to Tianjin, from NT$5,275

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Tianjin.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be easy if you pack the right stuff. First of all you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh change of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your electronic devices, chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight often lies in the clothes you wear. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin gets chilly. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will appreciate it.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. The great news is there are numerous ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing it. Stay well hydrated, walk up and down the aisles whenever possible and wear compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Tianjin in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Keep your travel documents and passport easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.