Flights to Butterworth, Mnquma from NT$8,022

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've planned ahead. Follow these handy hints that will help get your Butterworth escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, find room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Butterworth in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually 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-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.