Flights to Northlake, Chicago from NT$6,760

We've got the lowdown on how to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and you'll be zooming through the airport and exploring Northlake in no time at all. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a good book. You'll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

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. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• You'll want to choose comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes by wearing layers, and opt for flat, enclosed footwear like sneakers.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

It's easy — be prepared. We've rounded up some helpful hints for a fuss-free trip through airport security. Look out Northlake, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you're allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Traveling with your favorite hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it's stored in a zip-close bag, you're permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren't.
• Sharp items can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.