Seattle - Tacoma Intl. Airport (SEA) is the only airport near Tacoma.

Sea-Tac Airport is 24 kilometres from central Tacoma, so expect a reasonable commute into the city center.

A flight to Tacoma means touching down at Sea-Tac Airport. Get off the plane, collect your luggage and you’ll be 24 kilometres from the center of town.

There are 31 airlines connecting Tacoma to 118 airports around the world.

Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate the most flights to Tacoma. One of the most popular ways to get there is with an Alaska Airlines flight from Portland.

Organizing an awesome Tacoma escape is a cinch when there are 3,615 nonstop flights every week to pick from.

A large number of flights to Tacoma take off from Anchorage, Los Angeles and Portland airports.

If you’re going to Tacoma from Portland, you’re looking at a flight time of 1 hour and 1 minute. Those leaving from San Francisco can expect to be in the air for 2 hours and 17 minutes. From Spokane it’s roughly 1 hour and 16 minutes away.

If you’d like to have some extra spending money on your Tacoma vacation, listen up! As any seasoned jet-setter knows, don’t book at the very last minute. Prices are generally more expensive just prior to the departure date. Also, shop around and compare your options. If your destination has several airports, you may be able to score a terrific price by flying into one a little farther out. And finally, remember that the early bird catches the worm. Know what a typical airfare costs and have your credit card ready to grab your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The sweetest deals never last long.

If you’re not prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there’s no need to worry. Follow these useful tips for a pleasant start to your vacation in Tacoma.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and medications. Next, bring items that’ll help pass the time, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It’s also smart to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won’t be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Layer up with loose, breathable clothing and take a sweater just in case you get cold. Go for a pair of flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell during the journey. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• The serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It’s the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking up and down the aisle and doing foot and leg exercises while seated helps to prevent this occurring. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks can also help.

It’s simple — be prepared. We’ve put together some helpful hints for an easy trip through airport security. Watch out Tacoma, here you come:

• Keep your boarding pass and ID handy. They’ll be the first things you’ll be asked for by airport security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you’ll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes usually aren’t.
• Airlines won’t allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.