If you’re traveling by air, you won’t have to think too long which airport to choose. Centralia has just one – Lambert-St. Louis Intl. Airport (STL).

There are a total of 12 airlines connecting Centralia to 64 airports from all over the globe.

United Airlines and American Airlines operate the largest proportion of flights to Centralia. One of the most common ways to get there is with a United Airlines flight from Chicago.

Flying to someplace new is much more fun when there aren’t any stopovers involved. If you’re heading to Centralia, the good news is that there are around 1,319 direct flights every week.

Travelers frequently depart from Denver, Dallas and Chicago airports when going to Centralia.

If it’s Chicago you’re leaving behind, you’ll be midair for around 1 hour and 15 minutes before you arrive in Centralia. Runway to runway from Queens Village takes approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes and from Denver, it’s 1 hour and 59 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Centralia until the last moment. That’s one trick frequent jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking ahead means more choices and less expensive flights. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and find out if there is more than one airport at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on the airport you go for. Don’t forget to compare fares across air carriers too. And finally, remember that it’s first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to buy your ticket as soon as you spot an unbeatable bargain. The best deals never last long.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your trip to Centralia could be completely painless 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:

• A plane ride can be a stress-free experience if you take the right gear. First of all you’ll need toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find a spot in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and perhaps a neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like a pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight often lies in your clothing choices. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by bringing layers. That way you’ll stay nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your checked suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you later.
• The condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Doing foot and leg exercises while seated helps to prevent this occurring. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce the risk.

The answer is simple — be organized. We’ve rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Centralia, here you come:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them handy so you don’t hold up the queue.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few minutes, you’ll need to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics must also go through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite cologne or perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-close bag, it’s OK to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so put them in your checked suitcase.