Wollongong is served by a single airport, Shellharbour Airport (WOL).

If you’re staying in central Wollongong, it’s wise to work out how you’ll get into the city before you arrive. The downtown area is approximately 18 kilometres from WOL.

There are two major airports that operate in Wollongong. Kingsford Smith Intl. Airport (SYD) is around 56 kilometres from downtown, while Albion Park Aerodrome is approximately 18 kilometres away. As soon as you have a look at prices and lock in a place to stay, you’ll have a better idea of which one you should fly into.

There are a total of 43 airlines connecting Wollongong with 84 airports globally.

Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar are the most frequent fliers to Wollongong. The majority of flights come in from Melbourne, with Virgin Australia offering the most services on this route.

With approximately 2,754 direct flights operating each week, you’ll be arriving in Wollongong before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

The most popular flights to Wollongong leave from Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra airports.

Where you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Melbourne to Wollongong, the average flight time is 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Brisbane it’s typically 1 hour and 52 minutes, and from Coolangatta it’s 1 hour and 27 minutes.

If you want to save some cash on your Wollongong vacation, listen up! As any experienced jet-setter knows, avoid booking at the last minute. Fares are usually more expensive close to the departure date. Another terrific way to land the best deal is to compare all options. If where you’re headed has multiple airports, be sure to look into the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, don’t forget that the early bird catches the worm. Know what a typical airfare costs and have your credit card ready to secure your ticket as soon as you spot an unbeatable bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

If you’re poorly prepared, airports and flying can be testing. But there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips and enjoy a hassle-free start to your time in Wollongong.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a pain-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, bank cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that’ll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a juicy novel. You’ll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don’t forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, won’t be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight is often as simple as your choice in clothes. Prepare for temperature changes by layering up. That way you’ll stay nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will appreciate it.
• A serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation. Doing regular leg and foot exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a pair of compression tights or socks is also recommended.

Being prepared before your flight will make your trip to Wollongong a piece of cake. We’ve rounded up some top tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your coat, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on sneakers usually aren’t.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked baggage.