Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is the sole airport serving Alice Springs.

If you plan on staying in central Alice Springs, it’s wise to arrange how you’ll get into the city before you arrive. The downtown area is 11 kilometres from Alice Springs Airport (ASP).

Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is the main airport in Alice Springs. Before you fly, it’s a smart idea to know a thing or two about it. The terminal sits around 11 kilometres from the downtown area.

With 3 airlines flying into Alice Springs from at least 6 airports around the world, your perfect flight is just a few clicks away.

Qantas and Virgin Australia frequently fly into Alice Springs. Catching a Qantas flight from Adelaide is one of the most preferred ways to travel there.

With 42 direct flights operating each week, you’ll be landing in Alice Springs before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

A large number of flights to Alice Springs take off from Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane airports.

If it’s Adelaide you’re departing, you’ll be in the air for around 2 hours and 5 minutes before you arrive in Alice Springs. Tarmac to tarmac from Sydney typically takes 3 hours and 10 minutes and from Melbourne, 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Alice Springs until the last possible moment. That’s one move savvy travelers use to get the best prices. Booking ahead means more choices and cheaper flights. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has a few airports, you may be able to nab an excellent deal by flying into a smaller terminal. Last but not least, another easy way to save some money is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you spot an amazing deal, don’t hesitate — snap it up while you’ve got the chance.

Wherever you’re jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you’ve planned ahead. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will help get your Alice Springs vacation started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let’s start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a few magazines. You’ll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could injure passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your main priority when selecting what to wear during your flight. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are a common occurrence. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy work well.
• The condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation. Walking around the cabin and doing regular foot and leg exercises in your seat helps to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression tights or socks can also help.

The secret is to be prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you’ll be hopping onto that plane to Alice Springs in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Have them close by so you don’t have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you’ll be back online soon enough.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item 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.
• There’s a good chance you’ll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won’t be allowed on board.