If you’re traveling by air, you won’t have to decide which airport to choose. Waiheke Island has just one – Auckland Intl. Airport (AKL).

Lengthy commutes aren’t a big deal if you plan ahead of time. Downtown Waiheke Island is 40 kilometres from Auckland Airport, so it’s smart to know how to get to the city before you land.

Auckland Intl. Airport (AKL) is the main airport in Waiheke Island. Before you hop on the plane, it’s a wise idea to know a little about it. It is situated 40 kilometres from the downtown area.

Waiheke Island is serviced by 22 air carriers from 53 airports around the world.

Air New Zealand and Jetstar offer the most flights to Waiheke Island. One of the most common ways to travel there is with an Air New Zealand flight from Wellington.

Flying to someplace new is much more fun when there aren’t any stopovers to slow you down. If you’re making your way to Waiheke Island, the good news is that there are around 1,268 nonstop flights each week.

Travelers frequently jet off from Wellington, Christchurch and Sydney airports when going to Waiheke Island.

If you’re going to Waiheke Island from Wellington, you’re looking at a flight time of 1 hour and 5 minutes. Those taking off from Christchurch can expect to be airborne for 1 hour and 24 minutes. From Sydney it’s 3 hours and 7 minutes away.

We all know those lucky travelers who somehow land incredibly cheap airfares whenever they fly. Eager to know how to do it for your Waiheke Island vacation? Don’t wait until the last moment to secure your flight. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and find out if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Prices often differ depending on the airport you use. Be sure to compare prices across airlines too. Lastly, another easy way to save a few dollars is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you come across an amazing deal, don’t hold off — snap it up while you can.

Wherever you’re jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you’re prepared. Follow these essential travel tips that will help get your Waiheke Island vacation started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you’ll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you intend to catch a few z’s, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you’ll step off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don’t have a sharp object lurking in your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and matches, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The answer to a comfortable flight is often 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 chilly. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left for other occasions. Instead, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you for it.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There are many ways to minimize your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression socks or tights, stay hydrated and remember to keep 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 arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you’ll be boarding that plane to Waiheke Island in a flash. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• Be sure to have your travel documents and ID someplace easily accessible. They’re the first items you’ll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like your headphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you’ll have to unplug from technology. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices will need to be sent through the scanner.
• Can’t travel without your favorite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as it’s in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-lock bag, you’re allowed to bring it with you on board.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you’re less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines won’t allow any sharp objects to come on board with you. If you must bring these kinds of items, check them in.