Flights to Country Club Hills, Chicago from NT$6,028

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey a stress-free experience. Follow our insider tips and you'll be hightailing it through airport security and having a ball in Country Club Hills before you know it. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, important documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you'll need some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some great options. If you intend to catch a few z's, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, fuel and fireworks. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up, and wear flat, slightly roomy shoes like sneakers.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

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

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board.