Flights to San Alfonso, San José de Maipo from NT$19,616

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've prepared well enough. Check out these handy hints that will get your San Alfonso escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic devices or a good book. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as guns 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. Don comfortable layers and pick shoes that are roomy, flat and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to San Alfonso in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and ID close by. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.