Flights to Lower Portobello, Otago from NT$5,955

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. We've compiled a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Lower Portobello escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in cabin temperature by donning layers, and wear flat, closed-toe shoes like slip-ons.
• You've probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Lower Portobello in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics also need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand 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 single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.