Flights to St. Charles, Illinois from NT$3,494

Depending on where you're coming from, your flight to St. Charles could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. We've pulled together some tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you intend to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won't be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be the goal when picking what to wear on board. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen feet and ankles are a common occurrence. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy are always a smart option.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-haul flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this, make the most of every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another simple way to help reduce this risk.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your trip to St. Charles a breeze. Here are some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them close by.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Traveling with a new perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.