Flights to Faial, Santana from NT$12,456

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and you'll be speeding through airport security and exploring Faial in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a good book. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray 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 a pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and fireworks, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and go for shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Faial in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.