If you’re traveling by air, you won’t have to decide which airport to choose. Anna Maria has just one – Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA).

If you’re planning on hopping on a flight to Anna Maria, you’ll most likely touchdown at Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) (56 kilometers from downtown). SRQ (24 kilometers from downtown) is the other main airport here.

There are 20 air carriers that fly into Anna Maria from 91 worldwide airports.

Anna Maria receives most of its flights from Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines with Delta Air Lines being the preferred choice of carrier. Atlanta is the most popular city for travelers to depart from.

With roughly 1,753 nonstop flights running every week, you’ll be touching down in Anna Maria before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Anna Maria from Atlanta, Dallas and Baltimore airports are always popular.

If you’re heading to Anna Maria from Atlanta, you’ll have a flight time of 1 hour and 28 minutes. Those leaving from Chicago can expect to be airborne for 2 hours and 39 minutes. From Charlotte it’s around 1 hour and 44 minutes away.

We’ve all come across those lucky travelers who somehow grab extremely cheap plane tickets whenever they fly. Eager to know how to do it for your Anna Maria vacation? Don’t wait until the last moment to lock in your flight. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and see if there are multiple airports at your destination. Fares often differ depending on which airport you pick. Remember to compare prices across airlines as well. Last but not least, be prepared to secure your seat quickly if you find an irresistible price. It might not be available for too long! With a bit of knowledge and a little luck, the perfect fare will be yours.

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

• Flying can be a stress-free experience if you take the right stuff. First of all you’ll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean pair of socks and something to read. Next, make room in your bag for your phone and charger, any daily medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as possible. Layer up in natural fibers and pack a sweater just in case you get chilly. Pick a pair of roomy, flat shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the journey. Leave the high heels and heavy boots in your checked baggage.
• Unfortunately, one risk of flying long distances is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To avoid this, take every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another easy way to help minimize this risk.

The trick is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you’ll be stepping onto that plane to Anna Maria in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don’t hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.