Flights to Christchurch, from NT$2,979

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your getaway in Christchurch. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's easy — first, put in your passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you plan to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Pick a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a sweater in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Christchurch a piece of cake. We've rounded up some handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.