Flights to Ottawa, Illinois from NT$5,660

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you've planned ahead. Check out these top travel tips that will help get your Ottawa escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

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 banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, 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 slip-on footwear, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to take a jacket in case you get chilly in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will help make your getaway to Ottawa a breeze. Here are some handy hints for a speedy journey through security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned separately.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.