San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) is the sole airport serving Sausalito.

Lengthy commutes don’t have to be stressful if you work out your strategy ahead of time. Downtown Sausalito is 27 kilometres from San Francisco Airport, so it’s wise to know how you’ll get into the city before you touchdown.

Jump off the plane at San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) and you’ll find yourself 27 kilometres from the center of town. OAK is another major airport in Sausalito. It’s 29 kilometres from the center of the city.

There are 46 air carriers connecting Sausalito to 122 airports around the world.

Alaska Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are the most frequent fliers to Sausalito. The majority of flights come from Los Angeles, with Alaska Airlines offering the most services on this route.

With around 4,034 nonstop flights each week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Sausalito before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Sausalito from Los Angeles, Seattle and New York airports are the most sought after.

Where you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Los Angeles to Sausalito, the average flight time is 1 hour and 22 minutes. From Seattle it takes about 2 hours and 6 minutes, and from Las Vegas it’s 1 hour and 35 minutes.

If you’d like to save some cash on your trip to Sausalito, then listen up! As every seasoned traveler will tell you, avoid booking at the last minute. Fares are usually highest close to the departure date. Also, shop around and compare your options. If your destination has a few airports, you may be able to nab a great deal by flying into one a little farther out. And finally, remember that the early bird catches the worm. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and have your credit card ready to book your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The best deals never last long.

Wherever you’re coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you’ve prepared well. We’ve made a list of handy tips that will get your Sausalito escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a hassle-free flight experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a magazine. It’s also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. Last but not least, don’t forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like hockey sticks, and objects that could harm other people, such as swords and batons, won’t be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your main priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Consider your footwear with care too, as swelling of the feet and ankles are a common side effect of flying. Flat shoes which are slightly roomy work well.
• The serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking around the cabin and doing regular foot and leg exercises in your seat helps to prevent this occurring. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks may also help.

A little pre-planning before you arrive at the airport can make your trip to Sausalito easy and painless. Here are some handy hints for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Don’t forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren’t.
• Airlines won’t allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.