Flights to Erdek, Balikesir from NT$19,397

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these handy tips and tricks that will get your Erdek escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack your passport, official ID, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you intend to catch a few z's, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll touchdown looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and go for shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before your flight can make your getaway to Erdek easy and painless. We've compiled some handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.