The majority of visitors choose to fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) when visiting Fairfax. However, you’ll find more than one airport here, so keep that in mind when booking.

National Airport is 24 kilometers from central Fairfax, so be prepared for a reasonable commute into the center.

A great number of travelers visit Fairfax every day. With multiple airport terminals located around the city, there are a few places you might land. The busiest ones are National Airport (24 kilometers from downtown), IAD (16 kilometers from downtown) and BWI Airport (64 kilometers from downtown).

There are 42 air carriers that service Fairfax from 158 worldwide airports.

United Airlines and American Airlines offer the largest proportion of flights to Fairfax. One of the most preferred ways to travel there is on a United Airlines flight from Chicago.

With around 6,642 nonstop flights operating every week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Fairfax before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers often depart from Atlanta, Boston and Chicago airports when flying to Fairfax.

If it’s Chicago you’re leaving behind, you’ll be midair for around 1 hour and 48 minutes before you arrive in Fairfax. Terminal to terminal from Boston takes around 1 hour and 41 minutes and from Atlanta, the flight time is 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Fairfax until the last moment. That’s one trick frequent travelers use to get the best prices. Booking well in advance means more choices and less expensive flights. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and find out if there is more than one airport at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on which airport you go for. Don’t forget to compare prices across airlines as well. Last of all, another simple way to save a few dollars is be ready to book fast. If you see an irresistible deal, don’t think twice — grab it while you can.

If you’re poorly prepared, airports and flying can be a real challenge. But there’s no need to worry. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your vacation in Fairfax.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to pack ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and any vital medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a juicy novel. It’s also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don’t have a pocket knife hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive goods, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Layer up in natural fibers and take a pullover in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Opt for a pair of roomy, flat shoes as your feet may swell during the journey. Leave the stilettos and chunky boots in your main luggage.
• You’ve probably heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There are numerous ways to lower your risk. Don a pair of compression tights or socks, drink plenty of water and move your legs and feet. Wander up and down the aisles of the cabin or perform some simple exercises in your seat.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you get to airport security. That way, you’ll be stepping onto that plane to Fairfax in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and ID someplace easily accessible. They’re the first items you’ll be asked to present to security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you’ll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with a new hand and nail cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-lock bag, you’re allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you’re less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items such as knives and scissors are not allowed in the cabin. They’ll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.