Flights to Hillside, Chicago from NT$8,241

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you're prepared. Check out these handy tips and tricks that will get your Hillside escape started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that'll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a magazine. You'll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, don't forget to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression tights or socks.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Hillside in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass easily accessible. They're the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• 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.
• Don't forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item 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.
• 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 usually aren't.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board.