Flights to San Leandro, Oakland from NT$4,037

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there's no need to worry. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a trouble-free start to your vacation in San Leandro.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you carry the right gear. First things first, you'll need toiletry items, such as deodorant, toothpaste and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, find room in your bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight is as simple as your choice of clothes. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left in your suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you later.
• A serious condition called 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. Walking around the cabin and doing regular leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this occurring. Wearing a good pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce your risk.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to San Leandro quick and painless. Below you'll find some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Be sure to keep your passport and boarding pass within easy reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to show at security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take 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.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.