Flights to San Andrés, San José Province from NT$16,921

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy hints that will help get your San Andrés vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you hope to catch a few z's, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll step off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by layering up, and pick slightly roomy, flat footwear like slip-ons.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to San Andrés before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.