Flights to Cary, Illinois from NT$4,297

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a pleasant start to your time in Cary. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, travel docs, wallet and daily medications. Next, you'll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A juicy novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you plan to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you arrive looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, aren't allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by donning layers, and wear flat, slightly roomy footwear like slip-ons.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. Reduce the risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at security. That way, you'll be boarding that plane to Cary in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID at hand. They'll be the first things you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove 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 phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.