O’Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) is the only airport in Darien.

Long commutes don’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead for them. Downtown Darien is 27 kilometers from O’Hare Airport, so it’s wise to know how to get to the city before you touchdown.

If you’re planning on flying to Darien, you’ll probably land at ORD (27 kilometers from downtown). Chicago Airport (21 kilometers from downtown) is the other major airport that services the city.

There are 45 air carriers that fly to Darien from 220 worldwide airports.

Darien receives the largest number of flights from American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines with American Airlines being the preferred choice of carrier. Queens Village is the most popular city for travelers to set off from.

Organizing an unforgettable Darien getaway is easy when there are 8,014 nonstop flights each week to select from.

Travelers often set off from Atlanta, Denver and Dallas airports when going to Darien.

If it’s Queens Village you’re departing, you’ll be midair for around 2 hours and 34 minutes before you touchdown in Darien. Tarmac to tarmac from Washington takes approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes and from Denver, 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Darien until the last possible moment. That’s one trick seasoned travelers use to get the best prices. Booking in advance means more choices and cheaper flights. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has a few airports, you may be able to nab a terrific deal by flying into one a little farther out. Finally, another easy way to save some money is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you see a good bargain, don’t hold off — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your flight to Darien could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. Below are some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First things first, put in your passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you’ll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are always good options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and fireworks, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of your plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and bring a cardigan as the temperature can drop inside the cabin on long-haul flights. Slightly roomy, flat shoes are also a sensible choice.
• It’s likely you’ve heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There are many ways to lower your risk. Wear a pair of compression socks or tights, stay well hydrated and move your legs and feet. Walk around the cabin when possible or perform some stretches in your seat.

Being organized before your flight will make your getaway to Darien easy and painless. Here are some useful tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Have your travel documents and ID at hand. They’ll be the first things you’ll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you’ll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to go through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.