Flights to Pathankot, Punjab from NT$19,071

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pleasant start to your getaway in Pathankot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, your medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm other people, such as guns and swords, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as you can. Choose easy-to-remove footwear, dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don't forget to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• The result of lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Pathankot in a flash. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass close by. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by airport security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will need to go through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favorite hand cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.