Flights to Damas, San José from NT$18,107

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you've prepared well enough. Follow these handy hints that will get your Damas vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, important documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are always good options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by wearing layers, and pick flat, easy-to-remove footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to walk around the cabin or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The answer is simple — be organized. We've put together some top tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Look out Damas, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.