Porto is served by a single airport, Dr. Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport (OPO).

OPO is 11 kilometres from downtown Porto, so be prepared for a reasonable commute into the city center.

With only one main airport operating in Porto, it won’t take much time to get your hands on the best flight. You’ll be jetting off to Dr. Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport (OPO), which sits around 11 kilometres from the center of town.

There are 22 air carriers that fly into Porto from 82 worldwide airports.

Flights into Porto are typically run by TAP Portugal. The greatest number of flights depart from Lisbon District, with TAP Portugal servicing this route the most.

Organizing an exciting Porto vacation is easy when there are 787 direct flights every week to select from.

Travelers frequently jet off from Madrid, Lisbon District and London airports when heading to Porto.

Which city you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Lisbon District to Porto, the average flight time is 1 hour. From Madrid it’s more like 1 hour and 17 minutes, and from Orly it’s 2 hours and 12 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Porto until the last moment. That’s one move savvy travelers use to get the best prices. Booking ahead means more options and cheaper flights. 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 use. Don’t forget to compare prices across air carriers too. And finally, remember that it’s first in, best dressed. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and have your credit card ready to secure your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The sweetest deals don’t last long.

Wherever you’re coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you’ve planned ahead. We’ve put together a list of handy hints that will help get your Porto escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack in your passport, travel docs, credit cards and medications. Next, you’ll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you hope to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a few toiletry items so you’ll hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, can’t come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Layer yourself up in natural fibers and take a jacket in case you get cold. Always go with flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell a little during the journey. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your checked luggage.
• A condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation. Walking up and down the aisle and doing foot and leg exercises in your seat helps to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a pair of compression tights or socks also helps reduce the risk.

The secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you’ll be boarding that plane to Porto before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you’ll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Can’t travel without your favorite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-close bag, it’s OK to bring with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren’t.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can’t be taken on board. They’ll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.