Flights to Faaa, Windward Islands from NT$18,124

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your getaway in Faaa. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a few magazines. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft aren't the place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are closed-toe, flat and easy to remove.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

Being organized before your flight can make your trip to Faaa quick and painless. We've rounded up some handy tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger 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 valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.