Newcastle Intl. Airport (NCL) is the sole airport near South Shields.

Newcastle Intl. Airport is 19 kilometres from downtown South Shields, so you’ll have a bit of a commute into the city center.

With one main airport in South Shields, it won’t take very long to discover the best flight. You’ll be jetting off to Newcastle Intl. Airport, which is located around 19 kilometres from the center of town.

There are 14 airlines that fly into South Shields from 39 worldwide airports.

British Airways operates a large amount of flights to South Shields. Grabbing a British Airways flight from London is the most popular way of getting there.

Flying to a new place is much simpler when there aren’t any annoying stopovers to slow you down. If you’re heading to South Shields, the good news is that there are 248 direct flights operating every week.

Travelers often depart from London, Belfast and Dublin airports when going to South Shields.

Where you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to enjoy. From London to South Shields, the average flight time is 1 hour and 17 minutes. From Schiphol it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and from Dublin it’s 1 hour and 11 minutes.

If you’d like to save some cash on your South Shields vacation, listen up! As every seasoned jet-setter will tell you, don’t book at the very last minute. Airfares are usually highest close to the departure date. Also, shop around and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to nab a great price by flying into a smaller terminal. Last but not least, another easy way to save some money is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you come across a fantastic deal, don’t hesitate — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

No matter where you’re coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you’re well prepared. We’ve put together a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your South Shields escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and daily medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help keep you entertained, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It’s also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don’t have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by bringing layers. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your checked suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will appreciate it.
• The condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a risk on long-haul flights. It’s the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity. Doing regular leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression socks or tights can also help.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you’ll be stepping onto that plane to South Shields in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don’t hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you’re less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Big boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.