Flights to Las Palmas, Utuado from NT$24,413

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your time in Las Palmas. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a juicy novel. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a wise choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your ankles and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

The trick is to be prepared before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Las Palmas in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.