Sunderland boasts more than one airport, but most visitors prefer to fly into Newcastle Intl. Airport (NCL).

Newcastle Intl. Airport (NCL) is 26 kilometres from downtown Sunderland, so prepare yourself for a bit of a commute into the city.

If you’re planning to fly to Sunderland, you’ll likely be landing at NCL (26 kilometres from downtown). Teesside Intl. Airport (40 kilometres from downtown) is the other major airport here.

Sunderland is serviced by 14 air carriers from 40 airports across the globe.

KLM operates a large amount of flights to Sunderland. Catching a KLM flight from Schiphol is the preferred way of getting there.

Planning an amazing Sunderland adventure is easy when there are 278 direct flights each week to get you there.

The most popular flights to Sunderland depart from London, Alicante and Belfast airports.

Which city you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Schiphol to Sunderland, the average flight time is 1 hour and 14 minutes. From London it takes about 1 hour and 17 minutes, and from Dublin it’s 1 hour and 11 minutes.

We all know those fortunate jet-setters who somehow manage to grab impossibly cheap plane tickets whenever they fly. Would you like to know how to do it for your Sunderland vacation? Don’t wait until the last possible moment to secure your flight. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has a few airports, you may be able to nab a great deal by flying into a smaller terminal. Last of all, be prepared to book quickly if you find a great price. It might not be available for long. With a bit of knowledge and some good fortune, the perfect fare can be yours.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your journey to Sunderland could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. We’ve compiled some handy tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be a comfortable experience if you carry the right things. Firstly, you’ll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a few magazines. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, remember to take your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won’t be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and poisons, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your highest priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Consider your choice of footwear carefully too, as swollen feet are quite common. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy are always a good idea.
• A serious condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It’s the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation. Doing foot and leg exercises in your seat helps to prevent this from happening. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks is also a wise idea.

Being prepared before your flight can make your trip to Sunderland a breeze. Read through our useful tips and tricks for a speedy journey through security:

• Airport security personnel first need to see that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner’s alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you’ll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren’t.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won’t be allowed in the cabin.