If you’re arriving by air, you won’t have to ponder too long which airport to fly into. Florence has just one – Philadelphia Intl. Airport (PHL).

Lengthy commutes aren’t a big deal if you work out your strategy ahead of time. Downtown Florence is 48 kilometers from PHL, so it’s smart to know how you’ll get into the city before you land.

Philadelphia Airport is the only major airport in Florence. Before you hop on the plane, it’s a smart idea to find out a little about it. The terminal sits 48 kilometers from the downtown area.

There are a total of 14 air carriers connecting Florence with 102 airports globally.

In general, travelers choose to fly with Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines when heading off to Florence. The biggest proportion of these flights come from Atlanta, with Delta Air Lines operating this route the most frequently.

With 2,205 direct flights running each week, you’ll be hitting the tarmac in Florence before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

A large number of flights to Florence depart from Atlanta, Orlando and Boston airports.

Which city you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to enjoy. From Atlanta to Florence, the average flight time is 2 hours and 1 minute. From Chicago it’s more like 1 hour and 56 minutes, and from Orlando it’s 2 hours and 28 minutes.

If you want to save some cash on your Florence vacation, listen up! As every experienced jet-setter will tell you, don’t book at the very last minute. Airfares are usually highest close to the departure date. Another fantastic way to nab the best deal is to shop around. If where you’re headed has a few airports, don’t forget to look into the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. And finally, don’t forget that the early bird catches the worm. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to reserve your seat as soon as you spot an unbeatable bargain. The best deals never last long.

We’ve rounded up all the info you need to make your journey a pleasant experience. Follow our insider tips and you’ll be zooming through airport security and having a blast in Florence in no time flat.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome travel experience is to pack in advance. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and important medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling book. It’s also wise to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don’t forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, won’t be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of your plane are not the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and don’t forget to bring a sweater as it can get chilly in the cabin during long-haul flights. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are also a sensible choice.
• Unfortunately, one risk of flying long-haul is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, take every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression socks and tights are also a great idea to help lower your risk.

It’s simple — be prepared. We’ve compiled some useful tips for an easy trip through security. Look out Florence, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you’ll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets must also be sent through the scanner.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume or cologne? As long as it’s in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-lock bag, it’s fine to bring with you in your carry-on.
• Lightweight sneakers are a clever footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are not allowed on board. They’ll be seized at security, so put them in your checked bags.