Wheaton is served by multiple airports, but most travelers prefer Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

If you’re staying in central Wheaton, it’s a good idea to organize how you’ll get into the city before you arrive. The downtown area is about 21 kilometres from DCA.

Travelers visiting Wheaton have a lot of choice. Depending on where you’re staying and the deals you can find, you’ll probably arrive at DCA (21 kilometres from downtown), IAD (40 kilometres from downtown) or Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) (32 kilometres from downtown).

There are 42 airlines that fly to Wheaton from 158 airports across the globe.

United Airlines and American Airlines are some of the most sought-after airlines with flights to Wheaton. Travelers often use Chicago to take off from with United Airlines operating the most flights on this route.

With around 6,642 nonstop flights running each week, you’ll be landing in Wheaton before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

The most popular flights to Wheaton take off from Atlanta, Boston and Chicago airports.

If you’re going to Wheaton from Chicago, you’re looking at a flight time of 1 hour and 48 minutes. Those jetting off from Boston can expect to be airborne for 1 hour and 41 minutes. From Atlanta it’s 1 hour and 45 minutes away.

We’ve all come across those fortunate travelers who somehow pick up extremely cheap plane tickets wherever they go. Would you like to know how to do it for your Wheaton vacation? Don’t wait until the last possible moment to secure your flight. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and see if there is more than one airport at your destination. Prices often differ depending on which airport you use. Remember to compare fares across air carriers too. Finally, another simple way to save some cash is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you spot a terrific bargain, don’t hold off — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

No matter where you’re coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you prepare well enough. We’ve put together a list of essential travel tips that will get your Wheaton vacation started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, bring items that’ll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It’s also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don’t have a sharp object hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as bleach and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The answer to a comfortable flight can be as simple as your choice of clothes. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up. 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. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you for it.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To prevent this, make the most of every opportunity to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs. Compression socks and tights are another simple way to help reduce this risk.

Being prepared before your flight can make your trip to Wheaton a breeze. We’ve compiled some handy tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass close by. They’re the first items you’ll be asked to show at security.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner’s alarm. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Don’t forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There’s a chance you’ll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won’t be allowed on board.