Salt Spring Island is served by a single airport, Ganges, BC (YGG-Ganges Harbour Seaplane Base).

If you’re basing yourself in central Salt Spring Island, you’ll be there within moments after landing at YGG. The terminal is only 5 kilometres from the downtown area.

Travelers flying to Salt Spring Island have lots of choice. Depending on where you’re going and the deals available, you’ll most likely disembark at Vancouver Intl. Airport (YVR) (48 kilometres from downtown), Victoria Intl. Airport (YYJ) (19 kilometres from downtown) or YGG (5 kilometres from downtown).

There are 37 air carriers connecting Salt Spring Island with 90 airports globally.

Salt Spring Island receives the largest number of flights from WestJet, Air Canada and Flair Airlines with WestJet being the favorite choice of airline. Calgary is the most popular city for travelers to set off from.

Arranging an awesome Salt Spring Island adventure is a piece of cake when there are 2,151 direct flights every week to pick from.

Flights to Salt Spring Island departing from Calgary, Toronto and Edmonton airports are very popular.

If you’re heading to Salt Spring Island from Calgary, you’ll have a flight duration of 1 hour and 41 minutes. Those leaving from Toronto can expect to be airborne for 5 hours and 16 minutes. From Kelowna it’s roughly 1 hour and 3 minutes away.

If you’d like to have some extra spending money on your Salt Spring Island vacation, listen up! As every seasoned jet-setter will tell you, don’t book at the very last minute. Fares are often highest just prior to the departure date. Another excellent way to grab the most competitive fare is to research all options. If where you’re headed has more than one airport, be sure to research the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. Finally, another easy way to save some money is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you come across a terrific bargain, don’t think twice — snap it up while you can.

We’ve pulled together all the info you need to make your flight as stress-free as possible. Follow our top tips and you’ll be zooming through airport security and discovering Salt Spring Island in no time flat.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring items that’ll help keep you busy, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. It’s also wise to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Last but not least, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won’t be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be the goal when deciding what to wear on your flight. Consider your choice of footwear carefully too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are a common occurrence. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are your best bet.
• Most of us have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. There are many ways to reduce your risk. Wear a pair of compression socks or tights, stay well hydrated and get your legs and feet moving. Wander up and down the aisles of the cabin or perform exercises in your seat.

The secret is to be well organized before you get to airport security. That way, you’ll be boarding that plane to Salt Spring Island in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to airport security. Keep them handy to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that might trigger the alarms. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, 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). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren’t.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won’t be allowed on board.