If you’re traveling by plane, you won’t have to ponder too long which airport to fly into. Ashford has just one – Seattle - Tacoma Intl. Airport (SEA).

Located 80 kilometres from the center of town, Sea-Tac Airport is your entry point to Ashford.

There are 31 air carriers that fly to Ashford from 118 airports across the globe.

Ashford receives most of its flights from Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines with Alaska Airlines being the preferred choice of airline. Los Angeles is the most popular city for travelers to jet off from.

With roughly 3,615 direct flights every week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Ashford before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Ashford from Anchorage, Los Angeles and Portland airports are very popular.

Which city you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Portland to Ashford, the average flight time is 1 hour and 1 minute. From San Francisco it’s typically 2 hours and 17 minutes, and from Spokane it’s 1 hour and 16 minutes.

If you want to save some cash on your Ashford vacation, then listen up! As any seasoned traveler will tell you, avoid booking at the last minute. Airfares are usually highest just prior to the departure date. Also, shop around and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to pick up a fantastic deal by flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, remember that the early bird catches the worm. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and have your credit card ready to secure your seat as soon as you spot a bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

Wherever you’re coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will get your Ashford vacation started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you take the right gear. First of all you’ll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your phone, tablet and chargers, any daily medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don’t have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be the goal when picking what to wear on board. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen feet and ankles are a common side effect of flying. Roomy, closed-toed shoes are your best bet.
• The serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a risk on long-haul flights. It’s the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises while seated helps to prevent this happening. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks is also a wise idea.

Being prepared before your flight will help make your getaway to Ashford easy and painless. Below you’ll find some handy tips for a speedy journey past security:

• Keep your passport and travel documents easily accessible. They’re the first items you’ll be asked for by airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner’s alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.