Flights to Prairie du Rocher, Illinois from

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Prairie du Rocher escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a magazine. It's also smart to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by dressing in layers, and pick slightly roomy, flat shoes like sneakers.
• The result of prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Prairie du Rocher a breeze. Below are some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID easily accessible. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to security.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online soon enough.
• Can't travel without your favorite perfume or cologne? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you on board.
• There's a possibility that you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.