Flights to Sado, Niigata Prefecture from NT$5,016

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be zooming through the airport and enjoying Sado before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

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 box cutters, razor blades, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Sado a pleasure. Here are some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.