Flights to Soorts-Hossegor, Nouvelle-Aquitaine from NT$18,620

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy tips that will help get your Soorts-Hossegor escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you've got all the right stuff. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your important medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up, and pick flat, slightly roomy footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The trick is to be organized before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Soorts-Hossegor before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready to show.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.