Flights to Villa Park, Chicago from NT$18,434

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're well prepared. We've made a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Villa Park escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be easy if you carry the right stuff. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare pair of socks and something to read. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, your important medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze 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) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and gasoline, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your prime concern when picking what to wear on board. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swollen ankles and feet can be a side effect of flying. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy are always a good idea.
• A condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking around the cabin and doing regular leg and foot exercises while seated helps to prevent this developing. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks or tights may also help.

The secret is to be organized before you get to security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Villa Park in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you're allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a chance you'll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked bags.