If you’re arriving by plane, you won’t have to worry which airport to fly into. Hamilton has just one – John C. Munro Hamilton Intl. Airport (YHM).

YHM is 11 kilometres from downtown Hamilton, so be prepared for a bit of a commute into the center of the city.

If you’re hopping on a flight to Hamilton, you’ll likely be heading to YYZ (48 kilometres from downtown). Toronto Hamilton Intl. Airport (11 kilometres from downtown) is the other main airport here.

There are 42 airlines that jet into Hamilton from 156 worldwide airports.

Hamilton receives most of its flights from Air Canada, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines with Air Canada being the favorite choice of carrier. Queens Village is the most popular city for travelers to take off from.

Flying to someplace new is much easier when there aren’t any annoying stopovers to slow you down. If you’re jetting off to Hamilton, the awesome news is that there are approximately 3,079 nonstop flights each week.

The most popular flights to Hamilton depart from Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal airports.

If you’re going to Hamilton from Queens Village, you’re looking at a flight duration of 1 hour and 42 minutes. Those setting off from Montreal can expect to be midair for 1 hour and 34 minutes. From Calgary it’s about 3 hours and 42 minutes away.

If you’d like to have some extra spending money on your trip to Hamilton, listen up! As any seasoned traveler will tell you, don’t book at the very last minute. Airfares are usually highest just prior to the departure date. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has multiple airports, you may be able to pick up a fantastic price by flying into one a little farther out. Last of all, be ready to secure your seat quickly if you find a great price. It might not stick around for long. With a bit of know-how and some good fortune, the ideal airfare can be yours.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your journey to Hamilton could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. We’ve pulled 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:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, official ID, credit cards and medications. Next, you’ll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some wonderful options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your trusty pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fireworks, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The answer to a comfortable flight is often as simple as the clothes you wear. Prepare for temperature changes by bringing layers. That way you’ll stay nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left for other occasions. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you for it.
• The serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It’s the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation. Doing leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a pair of compression socks can also help.

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

• Be sure to have your travel documents and ID close by. They’re the first items you’ll be asked for by security.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner’s alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few minutes, you’ll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on bag. They usually 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 inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There’s a possibility that you’ll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked suitcase. They won’t be allowed on board.