If you’re arriving by plane, you won’t have to think too long and hard about which airport to choose. Albemarle has just one – Charlotte-Douglas Intl. Airport (CLT).

Sitting 72 kilometres from the center of town, Charlotte Airport is your gateway to Albemarle.

Albemarle is serviced by 12 airlines from 168 airports around the world.

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate the largest proportion of flights to Albemarle. One of the most preferred ways to get there is with an American Airlines flight leaving from New York.

Flying to a new place is much more fun when there aren’t any stopovers to worry about. If you’re making your way to Albemarle, the fantastic news is that there are around 4,280 nonstop flights operating every week.

Flights to Albemarle from Orlando, Atlanta and Nashville airports are very popular.

If it’s Washington you’re departing, you’ll be midair for around 1 hour and 36 minutes before you touchdown in Albemarle. Airport to airport from Queens Village generally takes 2 hours and 7 minutes and from Orlando, the flight time is 1 hour and 44 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Albemarle until the last minute. That’s one move savvy jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking in advance means more choices and cheaper flights. Another terrific way to pick up the most competitive fare is to research all options. If your destination has multiple airports, be sure to research the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, remember that the early bird catches the worm. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to secure your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

We’ve rounded up all the info you need to make your flight as pain-free as possible. Follow our tips and tricks and you’ll be breezing through airport security and having a blast in Albemarle before you know it.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you’ll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean pair of socks and something to read. Secondly, find room in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any daily medications and perhaps a quality neck pillow too. Lastly, don’t forget to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don’t have a sharp object lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare for temperature changes by bringing layers. That way you’ll stay nice and warm if the cabin starts to cool down. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left for other occasions. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you later.
• The serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming 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 happening. Wearing a good pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce your risk.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Albemarle a breeze. We’ve rounded up some handy hints for a swift journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before anything else. Keep them within easy reach.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you’ll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices also need to go through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new hand cream? As long as it’s in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-close bag, it’s OK to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren’t.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.