Flights to Laufen-Uhwiesen, Zürich from NT$3,103

If you're not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a comfortable start to your getaway in Laufen-Uhwiesen. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are good options. If you plan to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items so you'll touchdown feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your trip to Laufen-Uhwiesen a piece of cake. Here are some useful tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them close by so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single 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 going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked bags.