Kirksville Municipal Airport (IRK) is the only airport serving Macon.

The journey between Kirksville Municipal Airport and downtown Macon is fairly long. You’ll need to travel 40 kilometres before you can check in to your city hotel.

Macon is serviced by 12 airlines from at least 65 airports around the world.

United Airlines and American Airlines offer the most flights to Macon. One of the most common ways to get there is with a United Airlines flight from Chicago.

With around 1,371 nonstop flights running every week, you’ll be arriving in Macon before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

A large number of flights to Macon set off from Dallas, Chicago and Denver airports.

Which city you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Chicago to Macon, the average flight time is 1 hour and 19 minutes. From Dallas it’s around 1 hour and 40 minutes, and from Queens Village it’s 2 hours and 51 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Macon until the last possible moment. That’s one trick well-versed jet-setters use to get the best prices. Booking in advance means more choices and cheaper flights. Also, shop around and compare your options. If your destination has a few airports, you may be able to nab a fantastic price by flying into a smaller terminal. Last but not least, another simple way to save a few dollars is be ready to book fast. If you come across a good bargain, don’t hesitate — grab it while the opportunity’s there.

If you’re poorly prepared, traveling can be a real challenge. But there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks for a pain-free start to your vacation in Macon.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let’s start with the basics: passport, official ID, cash and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help pass the time, like your laptop or a good read. It’s also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your trusty Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Layer yourself up in natural fibers and pack a cardigan just in case you get cold. Opt for a pair of well-fitting, flat shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy boots in your luggage.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. But the great news is there are proven ways to reduce your risk of developing it. Stay well hydrated, walk up and down the aisles whenever possible and wear compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach security. That way, you’ll be stepping onto that plane to Macon in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• First things first. 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 must be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to take on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren’t.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors can’t be taken on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.