Flights to Columbia, California from NT$10,029

If you’re arriving by air, you won’t have to think too long and hard about which airport to fly into. Columbia has just one – Merced Municipal Airport (MCE).

There are 13 air carriers that fly into Columbia from 37 airports across the globe.

Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines operate the largest proportion of flights to Columbia. One of the most preferred ways to travel there is with a Southwest Airlines flight from San Diego.

With approximately 1,145 nonstop flights operating every week, you’ll be hitting the tarmac in Columbia before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Columbia from Seattle, Denver and Los Angeles airports are the most sought after.

Which airport you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From San Diego to Columbia, the average flight time is 1 hour and 37 minutes. From Las Vegas it’s around 1 hour and 38 minutes, and from Los Angeles it’s 1 hour and 22 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Columbia until the very last minute. That’s one trick well-versed travelers use to get the best deals. Booking in advance means more choices and less expensive flights. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has a few airports, you may be able to pick up a great deal by flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, don’t forget that it’s first in, best dressed. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and have your credit card ready to book your ticket as soon as you see an unbeatable bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your journey to Columbia could be no sweat at all or it could go on forever. We’ve compiled some useful travel tips that will help you start your next great escape on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to pack ahead. So, let’s start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help keep you occupied, like some electronic devices or a good book. It’s also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of hair gel and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, bleaching agents and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Layer up with loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to pack a cardigan in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Opt for well-fitting, flat shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the journey. Leave the high heels and hiking boots in your main luggage.
• Most of us have heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There are plenty of ways to minimize your risk. Don a pair of compression socks or tights, stay well hydrated and remember to keep your legs and feet moving. Wander up and down the aisles of the cabin or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will help make your trip to Columbia a breeze. Read through our useful tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them easily accessible so you don’t hold up the queue.
• The X-ray machine comes next. 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.
• Your electronic gadgets like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don’t worry though, you’ll be back online soon enough.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo 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.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp or pointed objects in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.