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

The trip from Lambert-St. Louis Intl. Airport (STL) to downtown Columbia is fairly long. You’ll need to travel 32 kilometers before you can drop your bags at your hotel in the city.

With one major airport servicing Columbia, it won’t take you long to discover the best flight. You’ll be taking off to STL, which is located around 32 kilometers from the downtown area.

There are 12 airlines that service Columbia from 64 airports across the globe.

United Airlines and American Airlines offer the majority of flights to Columbia. One of the most popular ways to travel there is on a United Airlines flight leaving from Chicago.

Planning an amazing Columbia getaway is child’s play when there are 1,319 direct flights each week to choose from.

The most popular flights to Columbia take off from Denver, Dallas and Chicago airports.

If you’re flying to Columbia from Chicago, you’ll have a flight duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Those taking off from Queens Village can expect to be traveling for 2 hours and 51 minutes. From Denver it’s around 1 hour and 59 minutes away.

We all know those lucky jet-setters who somehow get incredibly cheap fares every time they fly. Eager to know how to do it for your Columbia vacation? Don’t wait until the very last minute to secure your flight. Another fantastic way to nab a bargain is to compare all options. If your destination has multiple airports, don’t forget to research the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. And finally, remember that it’s first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to grab your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The sweetest deals never last long.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your trip to Columbia could be no sweat at all or it could drag on forever. We’ve pulled together some handy travel tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. So, let’s start with the basics: passport, official ID, cash and vital medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It’s also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like a Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and gasoline, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear during your flight. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen feet and ankles can be a side effect of flying. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy are your best bet.
• Most travelers are aware of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There’s plenty you can do to reduce your risk. Don a pair of compression tights or socks, drink plenty of water and keep your legs and feet moving. Do a few laps of the cabin or try out some exercises in your seat.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We’ve rounded up some useful tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Watch out Columbia, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your boarding pass and passport at hand. They’re the first items you’ll be asked to show at security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you’ll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronics will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Traveling with a new cologne? No problem. As long as it’s in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-close bag, you’re permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in the cabin. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked luggage.