Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW) is the sole airport serving Fort Myers Beach.

If you’re staying in central Fort Myers Beach, it’s a smart idea to work out how you’ll get into the city before you arrive. The downtown area is about 21 kilometers from Southwest Florida Intl. Airport.

Travelers from all across the globe go through Southwest Florida Intl. Airport every day. Hop off the plane, gather your bags and you’ll find yourself 21 kilometers from the center of Fort Myers Beach.

There are 14 airlines that fly into Fort Myers Beach from 41 airports across the globe.

Fort Myers Beach receives most of its flights from United Airlines, American Airlines and Spirit Airlines with United Airlines being the number one choice of carrier. Chicago is the most popular city for passengers to set off from.

Flying to somewhere new is much more fun when there aren’t any lengthy stopovers. If you’re traveling to Fort Myers Beach, the great news is that there are 682 direct flights every week.

Travelers often depart from Atlanta, Baltimore and Chicago airports when heading to Fort Myers Beach.

If it’s Chicago you’re leaving behind, you’ll be in the air for around 2 hours and 50 minutes before you touchdown in Fort Myers Beach. Runway to runway from Atlanta takes approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes and from New Jersey, 3 hours and 11 minutes.

We all know those lucky travelers who manage to land wonderfully cheap airfares whenever they fly. Would you like to know how to do it for your Fort Myers Beach vacation? Don’t leave it until the very last minute to secure your flight. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has several airports, you may be able to pick up a fantastic price by flying into one that’s farther away. Last but not least, another simple way to save a few dollars is be ready to book fast. If you come across a good bargain, don’t hesitate — grab it while the opportunity’s there.

No matter where you’re coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you’re well prepared. We’ve compiled a list of handy travel tips that will get your Fort Myers Beach escape started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, travel docs, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you’ll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you plan to take a quick nap, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you step off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and strong acids, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The narrow aisles of your aircraft are no place for a fashion parade. Layer yourself up with comfortable clothes and remember to bring a cardigan as the temperature can drop in the cabin. Closed-toed, flat shoes are also recommended.
• A serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation and inactivity. Doing foot and leg exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this occurring. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression tights or socks can also help.

The secret is to be organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you’ll be boarding that plane to Fort Myers Beach before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a terrific start:

• Security personnel first need to know that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you’ll have to unplug from technology. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic gadgets will need to go through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hairspray, 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.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won’t be allowed in the cabin.