Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport (BUF) is the sole airport near Amherst.

BUF is conveniently close to the heart of the city. It’s only 8 kilometres from downtown Amherst.

Situated 8 kilometres from the downtown area, Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport (BUF) will likely be your first stop in Amherst.

There are 6 air carriers that service Amherst from 21 airports around the world.

JetBlue Airways and Delta Air Lines operate the largest proportion of flights to Amherst. One of the most common ways to travel there is on a JetBlue Airways flight leaving from New York.

Flying to a new place is much more straightforward when there aren’t any annoying stopovers. If you’re jetting off to Amherst, the awesome news is that there are approximately 435 direct flights every week.

A large number of flights to Amherst leave from New York, Chicago and Baltimore airports.

Which city you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From New York to Amherst, the average flight time is 1 hour and 28 minutes. From Chicago it’s around 1 hour and 31 minutes, and from Washington it’s 1 hour and 22 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Amherst until the very last minute. That’s one move seasoned travelers use to get the best prices. Booking ahead means more choices and cheaper flights. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and see if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Prices often differ depending on the airport you go for. Remember to compare fares across air carriers too. And finally, don’t forget that it’s first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to grab your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The best deals never last long.

If you’re not prepared, traveling can be testing. But there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a stress-free start to your time in Amherst.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a pain-free flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It’s also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don’t forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don’t have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to make yourself as comfortable as you can. Dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a cardigan in case it gets cool in the cabin. Pick a pair of well-fitting, flat shoes as your feet may swell during the journey. Leave the high heels and heavy boots in your luggage.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There are many ways to mitigate your risk. Wear a pair of compression socks, drink lots of water and get your legs and feet moving. Wander around the cabin or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you’ll be hopping onto that plane to Amherst before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your coat, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Can’t travel without your favorite perfume? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won’t be allowed in the cabin.