Marshalltown is served by just a single airport, Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM).

Travelers flying to Marshalltown have a lot of options. Depending on where you’re heading and the deals available, you’ll likely be touching down at Des Moines Intl. Airport (80 kilometres from downtown), Waterloo Regional Airport (72 kilometres from downtown) or MIW (6 kilometres from downtown).

There are 6 air carriers that fly to Marshalltown from 25 airports across the globe.

United Airlines and American Airlines operate the majority of flights to Marshalltown. One of the most popular ways to travel there is with a United Airlines flight leaving from Chicago.

Flying to someplace new is much easier when there aren’t any lengthy stopovers. If you’re heading to Marshalltown, the good news is that there are approximately 284 nonstop flights operating each week.

Flights to Marshalltown departing from Chicago, Denver and Dallas airports are the most popular.

If you’re going to Marshalltown from Chicago, you’re looking at a flight duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes. Those jetting off from Denver can expect to be in the air for 1 hour and 38 minutes. From Atlanta it’s about 2 hours and 9 minutes away.

We all know those fortunate jet-setters who somehow manage to nab extremely cheap plane tickets wherever they go. Eager to know how to do it for your Marshalltown vacation? Don’t leave it until the very last minute to lock in your flight. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and find out if there is more than one airport at your destination. Fares often differ depending on the airport you jet into. Don’t forget to compare fares across air carriers too. Finally, another easy way to save some cash is be ready to book fast. If you spot an irresistible deal, don’t hesitate — grab it while you can.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your journey to Marshalltown could be a breeze or it could drag on forever. We’ve compiled some handy travel tips that will help you start your next great adventure on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a comfortable experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you’ll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and lip balm, a fresh change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find a spot in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and maybe a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, aren’t allowed in the cabin either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Don layers of natural-fiber clothing and bring a pullover in case you get cold. Pick flat, well-fitting shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your main luggage.
• The condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It’s the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity. Doing regular foot and leg exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this developing. Wearing a quality pair of compression tights or socks may also help.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We’ve pulled together some tips and tricks for an easy trip through airport security. Look out Marshalltown, here you come:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them within easy reach to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Traveling with your favorite hand cream? Not a problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-lock bag, you’re allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on luggage.
• It’s also likely that you’ll be required to remove your shoes for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.