Flights to Madinah, from NT$2,943

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there's no need to panic. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Madinah. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels 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 choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• 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 and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The secret is to be organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Madinah in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Your belt, jacket, 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 easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Traveling with a new cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.