If you’re arriving by air, you won’t have to think too long and hard about which airport to fly into. Xangri-La has just one – Salgado Filho Intl. Airport (POA).

There are 6 air carriers that service Xangri-La from 21 worldwide airports.

Gol and LATAM Airlines frequently fly to Xangri-La. Hopping on a Gol flight from Sao Paulo is one of the most popular ways to get there.

With around 537 nonstop flights running every week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Xangri-La before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Xangri-La from Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Campinas airports are the most sought after.

If you’re flying to Xangri-La from Sao Paulo, you’re looking at a flight time of 1 hour and 41 minutes. Those departing from Rio de Janeiro can expect to be midair for 2 hours and 5 minutes. From Campinas it’s about 1 hour and 42 minutes away.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Xangri-La until the last possible moment. That’s one move savvy jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking ahead means more options and less expensive flights. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has several airports, you may be able to nab a better price by flying into a smaller terminal. And finally, remember that it’s first in, best dressed. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and be ready to secure your ticket as soon as you see an unbeatable bargain. The sweetest deals never last long.

Wherever you’re jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you’ve planned ahead. We’ve made a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Xangri-La vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to be prepared. So, let’s start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a juicy novel. You’ll also want to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like ski poles, and items that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, can’t come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Layer yourself up in natural fibers and bring a jacket in case it gets cool in the cabin. Always opt for roomy, flat shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and hiking boots in your main luggage.
• The serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It’s the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking around the cabin and doing regular leg and foot exercises in your seat helps to prevent this happening. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression socks may also help.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your trip to Xangri-La a pleasure. Read through our handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned.
• Don’t forget to remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container 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 possibility that you’ll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.