Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is the one and only airport serving Mount Crested Butte.

The journey from Pitkin County Airport (ASE) to downtown Mount Crested Butte is fairly long. You’ll need to travel 31 kilometres before you can drop your bags at your city hotel.

A flight to Mount Crested Butte means hitting the tarmac at ASE. Get off the plane, collect your luggage and you’ll be 31 kilometres from the center of town.

You have a few choices if you’re heading to Mount Crested Butte. Choose from 2 airlines that service the city from at least 3 airports worldwide.

Flights into Mount Crested Butte are typically run by United Airlines. The majority of these flights take off from Denver, with United Airlines servicing this route the most often.

Flying to somewhere new is much easier when there aren’t any stopovers involved. If you’re jetting off to Mount Crested Butte, the great news is that there are roughly 51 nonstop flights operating every week.

Flights to Mount Crested Butte departing from Denver, Dallas and Los Angeles airports are the most in demand.

If it’s Denver you’re leaving behind, you’ll be in the air for around 53 minutes before you arrive in Mount Crested Butte. Tarmac to tarmac from Dallas takes approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes and from Los Angeles, the average flight time is 2 hours and 12 minutes.

We all know those fortunate travelers who somehow manage to land incredibly cheap fares every time they fly. Would you like to know how to do it for your Mount Crested Butte vacation? Don’t leave it until the last possible moment to secure your flight. Another great way to land an unbeatable deal is to compare all options. If where you’re headed has multiple airports, research the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. Last of all, be prepared to lock in your seat quickly if you find an irresistible price. It might not be available for too long! With a bit of knowledge and a little luck, the ideal fare will be yours.

If you’re poorly prepared, traveling can be challenging. But there’s no need to worry. Follow these useful tips for a trouble-free start to your vacation in Mount Crested Butte.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a stress-free experience if you’ve got all the right stuff. First things first, you’ll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and something to read. Next, make room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, won’t be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be your priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Consider your footwear with care too, as swollen feet and ankles are quite common. Slightly roomy, flat shoes work well.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long flights is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this from happening, take every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help lower your risk.

It’s easy — be prepared. We’ve compiled some top tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Mount Crested Butte, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your jacket, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-close bag, you can bring it with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.