Flights to Shannon, County Clare from NT$7,527

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you're well prepared. We've made a list of handy tips and tricks that will get your Shannon escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you carry the right stuff. Firstly, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and maybe a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

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

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your highest priority when selecting what to wear on board. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are a common occurrence. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are always a good idea.
• A condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises in your seat helps to prevent this happening. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks can also help.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've put together some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Watch out Shannon, here you come:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them at hand to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices must also go 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 sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.