Cheap Flights to Chica from CA $312

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Chica could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. We've pulled together some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let's start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that'll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a few magazines. It's also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Go for comfort over style. Prepare for temperature changes in the cabin by wearing layers, and opt for closed-toe, flat shoes like slip-ons.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect some passengers on long-distance flights. Reduce the risks by staying hydrated, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've pulled together some handy tips and tricks for a speedy trip through airport security. Look out Chica, here you come:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Have them easily accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Can't travel without your favourite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a zip-lock bag, you can bring it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp objects in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.