Flights to Barcelona, Manglaralto from NT$17,561

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your getaway in Barcelona. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and go for shoes that are flat, enclosed and easy to take on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your trip to Barcelona a piece of cake. We've compiled some top tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.