Flights to Kubota, Iwaki from NT$9,897

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. We've compiled a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Kubota escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, enclosed shoes.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Kubota before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Have your ID and boarding pass handy. They're the first things you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• There's a good chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.