Flights to Gladstone, Portland from NT$3,112

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these handy hints that will help get your Gladstone escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an amazing flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a good read. It's also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose, breathable clothing is a sensible choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lessen your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

It's easy — be prepared. We've compiled some top tips for a stress-free trip through security. Look out Gladstone, here you come:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be shown to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the queue.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually 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-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.