Cheap Flights to Chicago

If you're not prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a trouble-free start to your getaway in Chicago.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It's simple — first, pack in your passport, important documents, cash and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some fantastic options. If you intend to take a short snooze, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you arrive at your destination looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Layer up with loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a pullover in case it gets cool in the cabin. Pick 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 hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• The serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks or tights is also recommended.

A little pre-planning before your flight can make your getaway to Chicago easy and painless. Check out our handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your tablet and phone, are also required to be separately scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3null4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can't be taken on board. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.