Flights to Oakland, Illinois from NT$45,352

If you're not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there's no need to panic. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a worry-free start to your time in Oakland.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, pack your passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you'll hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won't be allowed on. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fireworks, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as you can. Layer up with loose, natural fibers and don't forget to pack a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Go for a pair of well-fitting, flat shoes as it's possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the journey. Leave the high heels and heavy boots in your main luggage.
• A condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this developing. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression socks or tights is also a wise idea.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Oakland in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport easily accessible. They're the first items you'll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board must be no greater 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 great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Knives and other sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.