Flights to Chiba, from NT$4,896

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your flight as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be breezing through the airport and having a blast in Chiba in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a comfortable experience if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a spare change of clothes and a good read. Secondly, find room in your bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don't have a sharp object lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer your clothing and opt for shoes that are flat and easy to slip on and off.
• The result of sustained periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Chiba before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few minutes, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics will also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It's also likely that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.