Flights to Brisbane, San Francisco from NT$3,058

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. Follow these essential travel tips that will get your Brisbane escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare set of clothes and something to read. Next, find room in your bag for your phone and charger, any medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and opt for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to pull on and off.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Brisbane, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and ID close by. They're the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.