Flights to Mount Prospect, Chicago from NT$23,462

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy hints that will get your Mount Prospect escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you'll arrive at your destination looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ice skates, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your main concern when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

The answer is — be prepared. We've put together some useful tips for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Mount Prospect, here you come:

• Have your travel documents and ID handy. They're the first items you'll be asked to show at airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked suitcase.