Flights to Bakio, Basque Country from NT$4,837

If you're not prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Bakio.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you take the right things. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a good read. Secondly, make room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and take a pullover just in case you get chilly. Opt for flat, well-fitting shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• The condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Doing foot and leg exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this happening. Wearing a good pair of compression tights or socks is also a wise idea.

The answer is — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Bakio, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.