Flights to Padang, West Sumatra from NT$6,937

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be zooming through airport security and having a ball in Padang in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare change of clothes and a few magazines. Next, leave space in your bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, medications and maybe a neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack 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) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• You're probably aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks or tights and move your lower limbs often.

The simple answer is — be prepared. We've pulled together some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through airport security. Look out Padang, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic gadgets 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 gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp or pointed items can't be taken on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.