Flights to Palermo, Sicily from NT$4,040

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey a stress-free experience. Follow our tips and tricks and you'll be hightailing it through the airport and exploring Palermo in next to no time. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a good read. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and remember to bring a pullover in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Palermo quick and painless. Here are some handy tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring 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 several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.