Flights to Utica, Illinois from NT$25,270

If you're not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But there's no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a pleasant start to your vacation in Utica. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. It's also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and strong acids, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a wise choice, as are enclosed shoes like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Walk around the cabin and give your legs a stretch or do some simple exercises in your seat to promote better circulation.

The secret is to be well organized before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Utica before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, 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 gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry, you'll be back online before you know it.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? No problem. 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 OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• It's also possible you'll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Airlines won't allow any pocket knives or other sharp items to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.