Flights to Saint-Maixent-l'Ecole, Nouvelle-Aquitaine from NT$37,937

If you're not prepared, air travel can be tough. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a comfortable start to your getaway in Saint-Maixent-l'Ecole.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling novel. It's also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm passengers, such as swords and batons, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Dress in loose, breathable clothing and pack a sweater in case it gets cool in the cabin. Always go with flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and hiking boots in your main luggage.
• You've probably heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There are plenty of ways to lessen your risk. Don a pair of compression socks or tights, drink plenty of water and get your legs and feet moving. Do a few laps of the cabin or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

Being prepared before your flight can make your getaway to Saint-Maixent-l'Ecole easy and painless. We've rounded up some useful tips for a speedy journey past security:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, 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), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.