San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) is the one and only airport in Encinitas.

San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) is 40 kilometres from downtown Encinitas, so prepare yourself for a reasonable commute into the city.

A flight to Encinitas means hitting the tarmac at San Diego Airport. Step off the plane, grab your luggage and you’ll be 40 kilometres from the downtown streets.

Encinitas is serviced by 16 air carriers from at least 62 airports around the world.

Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines operate the most flights to Encinitas. One of the most preferred ways to get there is with a Southwest Airlines flight leaving from Santa Clara.

With roughly 1,809 nonstop flights operating each week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Encinitas before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Encinitas from San Francisco, Sacramento and Santa Clara airports are always popular.

If you’re heading to Encinitas from Santa Clara, you’re looking at a flight duration of 1 hour and 21 minutes. Those setting off from Sacramento can expect to be on the plane for 1 hour and 29 minutes. From Las Vegas it’s approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes away.

We’ve all come across those lucky travelers who somehow manage to pick up super cheap fares whenever they fly. Want to know how to do it for your Encinitas vacation? Don’t wait until the last possible moment to secure your flight. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and check if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on the airport you go for. Be sure to compare prices across air carriers as well. Last of all, be prepared to secure your seat quickly if you find an irresistible price. It might not stick around for long! With a bit of knowledge and a little luck, the perfect fare will be yours.

If you’re poorly prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But don’t hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints and enjoy a worry-free start to your vacation in Encinitas.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It’s simple — first, pack in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you’ll want some extra in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you hope to catch more than just forty winks, a neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant so you’ll step off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and matches, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of your aircraft are no fashion runway. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and remember to take a sweater as it can get quite cool in the cabin on long-haul flights. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also a wise idea.
• The condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It’s the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity. Doing foot and leg exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression tights or socks is also a wise idea.

Being organized before your flight will help make your getaway to Encinitas a piece of cake. Check out our top tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Keep your ID and travel documents easily accessible. They’re the first items you’ll be asked for by security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won’t be allowed in the cabin.