Flights to Courtenay, British Columbia from

Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) is the one and only airport near Courtenay.

Canadian Forces Base Comox is not too far from the heart of the city. It’s only 6 kilometers from downtown Courtenay.

Hop off the plane at YQQ and you’ll find yourself 6 kilometers from downtown. YCA is another major airport in Courtenay. It sits 2 kilometers from the center of the city.

With 4 airlines jetting into Courtenay from 5 airports around the globe, your ideal flight is just a few clicks away.

In general, travelers choose to fly with WestJet, Air Canada and Pacific Coastal Airlines when going to Courtenay. The largest number of these flights depart from Vancouver, with WestJet operating this route the most frequently.

With around 61 nonstop flights running every week, you’ll be touching down in Courtenay before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers frequently depart from Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton airports when flying to Courtenay.

If it’s Vancouver you’re departing, you’ll be in the air for around 42 minutes before you touchdown in Courtenay. Runway to runway from Calgary takes about 2 hours and 2 minutes and from Edmonton, the flight time is 2 hours and 12 minutes.

If you want to have some extra spending money on your Courtenay vacation, listen up! As any experienced jet-setter will tell you, avoid booking at the last minute. Airfares are usually highest just prior 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 a smaller terminal. Last of all, be prepared to book quickly if you stumble on a real bargain. It might not be available for too long. With a bit of know-how and a little good fortune, the perfect airfare will be yours.

We’ve rounded up all the info you need to make your journey as pain-free as possible. Follow our insider tips and you’ll be hightailing it through the airport and enjoying Courtenay in next to no time.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, official ID, credit cards and daily medications. Next, you’ll want some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A juicy novel and a laptop filled with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a short snooze, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you touchdown looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and objects that could harm other people, such as pepper spray and firearms, can’t come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Layer up in breathable clothing and take a pullover just in case you get chilly. Opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes as your feet may swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and hiking boots in your checked luggage.
• It’s likely you’ve heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There are many ways to minimize your risk. Wear compression socks, drink plenty of water and get your legs and feet moving. Wander around the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to airport security. That way, you’ll be hopping onto that plane to Courtenay in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Airport security personnel first need to know that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• After that, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronics, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned separately.
• Traveling with your favorite perfume? Not a problem. As long as it’s in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-close bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• There’s a possibility that you’ll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won’t be allowed on board.