Flights to North Chicago, Chicago from NT$7,012

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. We've put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your North Chicago escape started on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a comfortable experience if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your bag for your phone and charger, any medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp or pointed objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and matches, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for changes in temperature by dressing in layers, and pick closed-toe, flat shoes like sneakers.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and ankles moving and wearing compression socks to help your circulation.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will make your getaway to North Chicago easy and painless. We've compiled some handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be inspected by security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.