If you’re traveling by air, you won’t have to think too long and hard about which airport to choose. Bowen Island has just one – Vancouver Intl. Airport (YVR).

If you’re staying in central Bowen Island, it’s wise to work out how you’ll get into the city before you arrive. The downtown area is approximately 24 kilometers from YVR.

Situated 24 kilometers from the downtown area, Vancouver Intl. Airport (YVR) is your gateway to Bowen Island.

There are 36 airlines that fly into Bowen Island from 88 airports across the globe.

Typically, travelers opt to fly with WestJet, Air Canada and Flair Airlines when heading to Bowen Island. The majority of these flights depart from Calgary, with WestJet servicing this route the most.

With around 1,890 nonstop flights every week, you’ll be arriving in Bowen Island before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

A large number of flights to Bowen Island take off from Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton airports.

Where you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Calgary to Bowen Island, the average flight time is 1 hour and 38 minutes. From Toronto it’s typically 5 hours and 13 minutes, and from Kelowna it’s 1 hour and 1 minute.

If you want to save some cash on your trip to Bowen Island, listen up! As any experienced traveler will tell you, avoid booking at the last minute. Prices are often highest close to the departure date. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to pick up a better deal by flying into one that’s farther away. Finally, be ready to secure your seat quickly if you find a great price. It might not be available for too long! With a bit of knowledge and some luck, the ideal airfare will be yours.

Wherever you’re coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you’re well organized. We’ve made a list of essential travel tips that will help get your Bowen Island vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right stuff. Firstly, you’ll want some basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a fresh set of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, find room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your treasured pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fireworks, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight is often as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin gets chilly. Shoes like high heels and sandals are best left for other occasions. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you later.
• The serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks or tights is also a wise idea.

It’s simple — be prepared. We’ve rounded up some top tips for a hassle-free trip through security. Watch out Bowen Island, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport within easy reach. They’re the first things you’ll be asked to show at airport security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked baggage.