Flights to Howrah, Kolkata from NT$2,679

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be zooming through the airport and having a blast in Howrah in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosols and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by dressing in layers, and wear flat, enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Howrah in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.