Flights to McCook, Chicago from NT$6,112

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you're prepared. Follow these handy tips that will help get your McCook vacation started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane trip can be a pleasure if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you'll want a few toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a spare set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your bag for your phone and charger, any daily medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and strong acids, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your top priority when deciding what to wear on board. Loose clothing is a sensible choice, as are roomy, closed-toe shoes.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. To minimize your risk on board, stay hydrated, consider wearing compression socks or tights and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for an easy trip through security. Watch out McCook, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock 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.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.