Flights to Jiuquan, Gansu from NT$11,861

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pain-free start to your getaway in Jiuquan.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

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 suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosols and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to pack a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin. Always go with roomy, flat shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the journey. Leave the high heels and chunky boots in your checked luggage.
• Unfortunately, a risk of flying long-haul is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To prevent this, take every opportunity to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs. Compression tights and socks are another simple way to help minimize this risk.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Jiuquan in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.