Flights to La Grange, Chicago from NT$23,338

If you're poorly prepared, air travel can be challenging. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints for a hassle-free start to your time in La Grange.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let's start with the basics: passport, travel documents, credit cards and medications. Next, bring items that'll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don't forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is as simple as your choice of clothes. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up. That way you'll stay nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your checked suitcase. Instead, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you for it.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance travel is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are another great idea to help lower your risk.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach airport security. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to La Grange in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as toothpaste or perfume, 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-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won't allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.