Lhasa has just one airport, Gonggar Airport (LXA).

Make your way through the exit of LXA and your Lhasa getaway will have begun! The city’s main airport, it’s located 88 kilometres from the downtown streets.

There are 10 air carriers that fly to Lhasa from 24 airports across the globe.

Tibet Airlines, Air China and Sichuan Airlines fly the most frequently to Lhasa. The majority of these flights originate in Chengdu, with Tibet Airlines offering the most services on this route.

With roughly 435 nonstop flights every week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Lhasa before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Lhasa departing from Chengdu, Chongqing and Xian airports are highly sought after.

If you’re going to Lhasa from Chengdu, you’ll have a flight time of 2 hours and 19 minutes. Those jetting off from Chongqing can expect to be traveling for 2 hours and 54 minutes. From Xi’an it’s 3 hours and 25 minutes away.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Lhasa until the very last minute. That’s one trick savvy travelers use to get the best prices. Booking in advance means more options and less expensive flights. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and see if there are a few airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on the airport you go for. Be sure to compare fares across air carriers as well. Lastly, another easy way to save some cash is be ready to book fast. If you come across an amazing bargain, don’t hesitate — snap it up while you can.

Wherever you’re coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you’ve prepared well enough. Take a peek at these handy tips that will help get your Lhasa vacation started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you pack the right things. First of all you’ll need toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your phone and charger, medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Lastly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

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 or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, flares and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be the goal when picking what to wear on your flight. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen ankles and feet are quite common. Roomy, closed-toed shoes are always a good idea.
• A serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Doing regular foot and leg exercises while seated helps to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a pair of compression socks or tights is also recommended.

Being organized before your flight will help make your trip to Lhasa a piece of cake. Below are some useful tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them within easy reach so you don’t hold up the line.
• After that, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• For just a few moments, you’ll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets also need to go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There’s a chance you’ll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.