Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the only airport in Gloucester.

Get off the plane at Birmingham Airport (BHX) and you’ll find yourself 72 kilometres from the downtown area. Bristol Airport is another big airport in Gloucester. You’ll find it 64 kilometres from the center of the city.

Gloucester is serviced by 25 air carriers from at least 109 airports around the world.

Ryanair and Aer Lingus operate the majority of flights to Gloucester. One of the most popular ways to travel there is on a Ryanair flight leaving from Dublin.

With roughly 1,053 direct flights operating every week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Gloucester before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

The most popular flights to Gloucester depart from Dublin, Belfast and Alicante airports.

Where you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Dublin to Gloucester, the average flight time is 1 hour and 9 minutes. From Schiphol it’s typically 1 hour and 17 minutes, and from Belfast it’s 1 hour and 6 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Gloucester until the last minute. That’s one trick savvy travelers use to get the best prices. Booking in advance means more options and less expensive flights. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to pick up a terrific price by flying into a smaller terminal. Lastly, another simple way to save some cash is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you see a good deal, don’t hesitate — snap it up while you’ve got the chance.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your flight to Gloucester could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. We’ve put together some useful travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you pack the right things. Firstly, you’ll want a few basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a spare pair of socks and a good read. Next, leave space in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, your important medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to bring your passport, travel papers and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don’t have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight can be as simple as your choice in clothes. Prepare for changes in temperature by bringing layers. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin starts to cool down. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you for it.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a serious condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. But the good news is there are numerous ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, wander through the cabin as often as you can and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be organized. We’ve pulled together some useful tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Gloucester, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you’ll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There’s a good chance you’ll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.