Cheap Flights to Taipei from HK$493

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you've planned ahead. Check out these handy hints that will help get your Taipei holiday started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don't forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a pocket knife lurking in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-distance flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport will make your trip to Taipei a piece of cake. We've compiled some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.