If you’re arriving by air, you won’t have to worry which airport to choose. Medina has just one – Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED).

Lengthy commutes aren’t a big deal if you plan ahead for them. Downtown Medina is 48 kilometres from Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz Airport (MED), so it’s smart to know how you’ll get into the city before you arrive.

There are 52 airlines that service Medina from 100 worldwide airports.

Typically, travelers opt to fly with Saudia, flyadeal and flynas when going to Medina. The largest number of these flights arrive from Riyadh, with Saudia servicing this route the most.

Planning an exciting Medina vacation is a piece of cake when there are 2,370 direct flights every week to get you there.

Travelers frequently depart from Riyadh, Cairo and Dammam airports when heading to Medina.

Which city you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to enjoy. From Riyadh to Medina, the average flight time is 1 hour and 38 minutes. From Dammam it’s typically 2 hours and 14 minutes, and from Cairo it’s 1 hour and 57 minutes.

If you want to save some cash on your trip to Medina, listen up! As any seasoned traveler knows, avoid booking at the 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 several airports, you may be able to nab a terrific deal by flying into one that’s farther away. And finally, don’t forget that it’s first in, best dressed. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and have your credit card ready to reserve your seat as soon as you see a great bargain. The sweetest deals don’t last long.

If you’re not prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But there’s no need to worry. Follow these useful tips for a worry-free start to your getaway in Medina.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let’s start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a few magazines. You’ll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Finally, be sure to pop in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don’t have a Swiss Army knife hiding in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive substances, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Layer up in natural-fiber clothing and pack a cardigan in case you get cold. Always go with roomy, flat shoes as your feet may swell a little during the flight. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your checked luggage.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a serious condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. The good news is there are numerous ways to lower your risk of developing it. Stay hydrated, get up and walk around the cabin whenever possible and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

It’s easy — be prepared. We’ve compiled some top tips for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Medina, here you come:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you’ll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Can’t travel without your favorite hand cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-lock bag, it’s OK to bring with you in your carry-on.
• Lightweight sneakers are a great footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.