Flights to Uematsu, Saiki from NT$5,352

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there's no need to panic. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Uematsu. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Dress in comfortable layers and choose shoes that are flat, roomy and easy to slip on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of 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 your flight will make your getaway to Uematsu easy and painless. We've compiled some handy hints for a stress-free journey past security:

• Have your boarding pass and ID within close reach. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite cologne? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, check them in.