If you’re traveling by air, you won’t have to ponder too long which airport to fly into. Oak Forest has just one – O’Hare Intl. Airport (ORD).

O’Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) is 40 kilometres from downtown Oak Forest, so expect a decent commute into the center of the city.

If you’re flying into Oak Forest, you’ll probably be heading to ORD (40 kilometres from downtown). Midway Intl. Airport (MDW) (21 kilometres from downtown) is the other main airport that services the city.

There are 45 airlines that fly to Oak Forest from 220 airports around the world.

American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are the most frequent fliers to Oak Forest. The majority of flights arrive here from Queens Village, with American Airlines offering the most services on this route.

With 8,014 nonstop flights each week, you’ll be touching down in Oak Forest before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers frequently set off from Atlanta, Denver and Dallas airports when going to Oak Forest.

Where you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to enjoy. From Queens Village to Oak Forest, the average flight time is 2 hours and 34 minutes. From Washington it usually takes 2 hours and 5 minutes, and from Denver it’s 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Oak Forest until the last minute. That’s one move seasoned jet-setters use to get the best prices. Booking in advance means more choices and more affordable flights. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has several airports, you may be able to score a fantastic price by flying into a less busy terminal. Last of all, be prepared to book quickly if you find an irresistible price. It might not be available for long. With a bit of know-how and some luck, the ideal fare will be yours.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your trip to Oak Forest could be a piece of cake or it could go on forever. Here are some tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It’s also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don’t have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to feel as comfortable as possible. Dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case you get cold. Always go with flat, slightly roomy shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the flight. Leave the high heels and hiking boots in your main luggage.
• Most of us have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There are numerous ways to mitigate your risk. Wear a quality pair of compression tights or socks, drink plenty of water and get your legs and feet moving. Wander around the cabin or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We’ve compiled some handy tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out Oak Forest, here you come:

• Keep your passport and travel documents handy. They’re the first things you’ll be asked to show at security.
• Your belt, jacket, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don’t worry though, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• It’s also likely that you’ll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.