If you’re arriving by air, you won’t have to decide which airport to choose. Dingxi has just one – Zhongchuan Airport (LHW).

Dingxi is serviced by 25 airlines from at least 75 airports across the globe.

Typically, travelers choose to fly with Shanghai Airlines, Spring Airlines and China Eastern Airlines when heading off to Dingxi. The largest number of these flights come in from Shanghai, with Shanghai Airlines servicing this route the most frequently.

With roughly 1,196 direct flights operating each week, you’ll be touching down in Dingxi before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

A large number of flights to Dingxi take off from Shanghai, Urumqi and Hangzhou airports.

If you’re flying to Dingxi from Shanghai, you’re looking at a flight time of 3 hours and 17 minutes. Those departing from Urumqi can expect to be in the air for 2 hours and 49 minutes. From Hangzhou it’s 3 hours and 6 minutes away.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Dingxi until the very last minute. That’s one trick seasoned jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking ahead means more choices and more affordable flights. Another good way to nab the best price is to research all options. If where you’re headed has more than one airport, be sure to look into the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, remember that it’s first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to snap up a ticket as soon as you see an unbeatable bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your flight to Dingxi could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. We’ve put together some useful travel tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to be prepared. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and daily medications. Next, bring items that’ll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling book. You’ll also want to pack your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, aren’t allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your main priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swollen feet and ankles can be a side effect of flying. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy work well.
• It’s likely you’ve heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There are many ways to lessen your risk. Wear a quality pair of compression socks or tights, drink lots of water and get your legs and feet moving. Wander around the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

Being organized before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Dingxi quick and painless. Read through our handy tips and tricks for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online in no time.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren’t.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won’t be allowed on board and will be confiscated.