Flights to Sortland, Nordland from NT$17,472

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips for a trouble-free start to your getaway in Sortland. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you pack the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and fireworks, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, closed-toe shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your trip to Sortland a pleasure. We've rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them ready to show.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren't.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.