Flights to Chitose, Sapporo from NT$2,636

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your getaway in Chitose. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a comfortable experience if you take the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good book. Secondly, make room in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for shoes that are easy to pull on and off, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to take a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've compiled some helpful hints for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Chitose, here you come:

• Your passport and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, you're allowed to bring it with you on board.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.