Lambert-St. Louis Intl. Airport (STL) is the sole airport serving Des Peres.

STL is 18 kilometres from downtown Des Peres, so expect a bit of a commute into the heart of the city.

Make your way through the exit of Lambert Field and your Des Peres adventure will have begun! The city’s main airport, it’s located 18 kilometres from the city center.

Des Peres is serviced by 12 air carriers from at least 64 airports around the world.

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

With roughly 1,319 nonstop flights running each week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Des Peres before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

A large number of flights to Des Peres set off from Denver, Dallas and Chicago airports.

If you’re going to Des Peres from Chicago, you’re looking at a flight time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Those jetting off from Queens Village can expect to be traveling for 2 hours and 51 minutes. From Denver it’s about 1 hour and 59 minutes away.

If you want to have some extra spending money on your trip to Des Peres, listen up! As every seasoned jet-setter will tell you, avoid booking at the last minute. Prices are usually more expensive just prior to the departure date. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and check if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Prices often differ depending on which airport you fly into. Don’t forget to compare prices across airlines too. And finally, don’t forget that it’s first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to secure your seat as soon as you see an unbeatable bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your trip to Des Peres could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. We’ve put together some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let’s start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You’ll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don’t forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won’t be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, chemicals agents and gasoline, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer yourself up in natural fibers and pack a cardigan in case it gets cool. Opt for a pair of flat, well-fitting shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• Unfortunately, one risk of flying long-haul is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To avoid this, take every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another great idea to help minimize this risk.

It’s easy — be prepared. We’ve compiled some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through security. Look out Des Peres, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and travel documents before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner’s alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Can’t travel without your favorite cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as it’s in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you’re less likely to be asked to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.