Flights to São Luís, Maranhão from NT$9,204

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your São Luís escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, put in your passport, official ID, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are good options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and matches, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as you can. Go for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural fibers and don't forget to take a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to São Luís in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned.
• Traveling with a new hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as it's in a container 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 bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked baggage.