If you’re arriving by plane, you won’t have to worry which airport to choose. Highlands has just one – Asheville Regional Airport (AVL).

Travelers flying into Highlands can opt to land at two major airports. Greenville-Spartanburg Intl. Airport (GSP) is 88 kilometers away from the center of town. Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is 72 kilometers away.

There are 8 airlines that jet into Highlands from 30 airports around the world.

Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines are some of the most sought-after airlines with flights to Highlands. Most travelers use Atlanta to set off from with Delta Air Lines operating the most flights on this route.

With 455 nonstop flights operating every week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Highlands before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers often jet off from Atlanta, Charlotte and Chicago airports when going to Highlands.

Which city you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Atlanta to Highlands, the average flight time is 56 minutes. From Charlotte it’s roughly 52 minutes, and from Chicago it’s 1 hour and 47 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Highlands until the last possible moment. That’s one move frequent travelers use to get the best prices. Booking in advance means more choices and cheaper flights. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and find out if there is more than one airport at your destination. Fares often differ depending on the airport you use. Make sure you compare prices across air carriers as well. Last of all, be prepared to secure your seat quickly if you find a real bargain. It might not be available for too long! With a bit of knowledge and some luck, the perfect fare will be yours.

If you’re poorly prepared, traveling can be tough. But there’s no need to worry. Follow these handy hints for a pain-free start to your vacation in Highlands.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack in your passport, important documents, cash and medications. Next, you’ll want some in-flight entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you hope to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes so you’ll hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like box cutters, razor blades, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight is often as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin begins to cool down. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left for other occasions. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you for it.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-haul flights is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this from happening, take every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression tights and socks are also a great idea to help reduce this risk.

Being prepared before your flight will help make your trip to Highlands a pleasure. We’ve rounded up some handy tips and tricks for a swift journey past security:

• Be sure to have your ID and boarding pass close by. They’re the first items you’ll be asked to present to airport security.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you’ll need to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic gadgets must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or toothpaste, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a practical footwear choice as you’re less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.