Columbia Regional Airport (COU) is the only airport near Columbia.

Columbia Regional Airport (COU) is 18 kilometres from downtown Columbia, so expect a reasonable commute into the city center.

There are 13 air carriers that fly to Columbia from 68 airports across the globe.

United Airlines and American Airlines frequently fly into Columbia. Hopping on a United Airlines flight from Chicago is one of the most preferred ways to travel there.

Flying to a new place is much simpler when there aren’t any stopovers to worry about. If you’re off to Columbia, the good news is that there are around 2,229 direct flights operating every week.

Travelers often depart from Dallas, Denver and Chicago airports when flying to Columbia.

If you’re heading to Columbia from Chicago, you’ll have a flight duration of 1 hour and 24 minutes. Those departing from Dallas can expect to be on the plane for 1 hour and 36 minutes. From Denver it’s 1 hour and 46 minutes away.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Columbia until the last moment. That’s one trick savvy travelers use to get the best deals. Booking in advance means more choices and more affordable flights. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to nab a fantastic deal by flying into a less busy terminal. Last of all, be prepared to book quickly if you find a great price. It might not be available for long. With a bit of knowledge and some good fortune, the ideal airfare can be yours.

Wherever you’re jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you’re well organized. We’ve put together a list of handy travel tips that will help get your Columbia escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let’s start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. You’ll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a fresh change 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 avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and items that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when selecting what to wear on your flight. Consider your choice of footwear carefully too, as swollen feet are a common occurrence. Flat shoes which are slightly roomy are your best bet.
• Unfortunately, a risk of flying long-haul is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this, take every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression tights and socks are another great idea to help reduce this risk.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Columbia a pleasure. Read through our top tips for a swift journey through security:

• Keep your ID and boarding pass within close reach. They’re the first things you’ll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you’ll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new perfume? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-close bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• It’s also possible you’ll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.