Flights to Oak Lawn, Chicago from NT$7,517

If you're poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a comfortable start to your vacation in Oak Lawn. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack in your passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are always good options. If you hope to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you arrive looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a pullover in case you get cold in the cabin.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to Oak Lawn a breeze. Here are some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings such as your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.