Flights to Tonghua, Jilin from NT$9,351

If you're not prepared, air travel can be tough. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your time in Tonghua. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a great experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and a good book. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Try to wander around the cabin or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

The trick is to be organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Tonghua before you know it. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.