Portland Intl. Airport (PDX) is the only airport near Blaine.

PDX is the only major airport in Blaine. Before you step on the plane, it’s a smart idea to know a little about it. It sits around 97 kilometers from the center of town.

Blaine is serviced by 16 airlines from 54 worldwide airports.

Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines operate the majority of flights to Blaine. One of the most preferred ways to travel there is with an Alaska Airlines flight leaving from Seattle.

With roughly 1,150 direct flights every week, you’ll be landing in Blaine before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

A large number of flights to Blaine take off from Seattle, Denver and Los Angeles airports.

Where you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Seattle to Blaine, the average flight time is 55 minutes. From Los Angeles it’s roughly 2 hours and 26 minutes, and from Las Vegas it’s 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Blaine until the last possible moment. That’s one move savvy jet-setters use to get the best prices. Booking well in advance means more options and cheaper flights. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and see if there are multiple airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on which airport you use. Remember to compare fares across airlines too. Lastly, another simple way to save some money is be ready to book fast. If you find a fantastic bargain, don’t hesitate — grab it while you can.

No matter where you’re coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you’re prepared. We’ve made a list of handy hints that will get your Blaine escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right things. First of all you’ll need basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a fresh set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, any vital medications and maybe a neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be the goal when choosing what to wear on board. Consider your footwear choice with care too, as swollen feet are a common side effect of flying. Roomy, closed-toed shoes work well.
• You’ve probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There are plenty of ways to lower your risk. Wear compression tights or socks, drink lots of water often and move your legs and feet. Walk around the cabin when possible or try out some simple stretches in your seat.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to airport security. That way, you’ll be boarding that plane to Blaine before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner’s alarm. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Remove liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There’s a possibility that you’ll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won’t be allowed on board and will be confiscated.