Bordeaux is served by just a single airport, Merignac Airport (BOD).

Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport is just a short drive from all the action of downtown Bordeaux. It’s located 10 kilometres from the center of the city.

A flight to Bordeaux means coming in to land at BOD. Get off the plane, gather your bags and you’ll be 10 kilometres from downtown.

There are 21 airlines that jet into Bordeaux from 56 airports around the world.

Air France operates most of the flights to Bordeaux. Grabbing an Air France flight from Paris is the most popular way of getting there.

With roughly 378 direct flights every week, you’ll be landing in Bordeaux before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Bordeaux from Paris, Lyon and London airports are the most in demand.

Where you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Paris to Bordeaux, the average flight time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Lyon it’s roughly 1 hour and 8 minutes, and from London it’s 1 hour and 38 minutes.

We’ve all come across those lucky travelers who somehow manage to nab super cheap airfares whenever they fly. Want to know how to do it for your Bordeaux vacation? Don’t leave it until the last possible moment to lock in your flight. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has multiple airports, you may be able to nab a terrific deal by flying into one a little farther out. Last but not least, another easy way to save a few dollars is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you stumble on an irresistible bargain, don’t hesitate — grab it while you’ve got the chance.

We’ve got the lowdown on how to make your flight a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and tricks and you’ll be cruising through the airport and having a ball in Bordeaux in next to no time.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an awesome travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let’s start with the basics: passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a good book. It’s also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, 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:

• Check carefully that you don’t have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of your airplane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and remember to bring a sweater as it can get chilly inside the cabin. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also a good choice.
• Most travelers are aware of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of inactivity. There are numerous ways to reduce your risk. Wear a pair of compression tights or socks, stay hydrated and keep your legs and feet moving. Walk around the cabin when possible or try out some simple stretches in your seat.

Being prepared before your flight can make your trip to Bordeaux a piece of cake. We’ve rounded up some useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Keep your travel documents and ID within close reach. They’re the first items you’ll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you’ll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won’t be allowed on board and will be confiscated.