La Mesa is served by just a single airport, San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN).

It’s 19 kilometers from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) to downtown La Mesa. Make your life easier by researching the fastest way of traveling from the terminal to the city center before you arrive.

Travelers from all over the place go through San Diego Airport every day. Step off the plane, collect your luggage and you’ll be 19 kilometers from downtown La Mesa.

There are 16 airlines connecting La Mesa to 62 airports globally.

Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines fly frequently into La Mesa. Catching a Southwest Airlines flight from Santa Clara is one of the most preferred ways to travel there.

With approximately 1,809 nonstop flights operating each week, you’ll be hitting the runway in La Mesa before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to La Mesa departing from San Francisco, Sacramento and Santa Clara airports are highly sought after.

Which airport you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Santa Clara to La Mesa, the average flight time is 1 hour and 21 minutes. From Sacramento it’s more or less 1 hour and 29 minutes, and from Las Vegas it’s 1 hour and 9 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to La Mesa until the very last minute. That’s one trick savvy jet-setters use to get the best prices. Booking ahead means more choices and more affordable flights. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to nab an excellent price by flying into a smaller terminal. And finally, don’t forget that it’s first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to buy your ticket as soon as you spot an unbeatable bargain. The best deals never last long.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your journey to La Mesa could be simple and straightforward or it could drag on forever. We’ve pulled together some useful travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing flight experience is to pack in advance. So, let’s start with the basics: passport, official ID, credit cards and any vital medications. Next, bring items that’ll help keep you busy, like some electronic devices or a good read. It’s also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won’t be allowed on. Sharp objects, like your treasured Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as flares, bleaching agents and fuels, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to be as comfortable as you can. Layer yourself up in breathable clothing and take a pullover in case it gets cool in the cabin. Always opt for roomy, flat shoes as your feet may swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy boots in your checked luggage.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-haul flights is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to wander around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are also a great idea to help reduce this risk.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be organized before you arrive at airport security. That way, you’ll be boarding that plane to La Mesa in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a spectacular start:

• Your boarding pass and travel ID will need to be shown to airport security. Keep them within easy reach so you don’t hold up the queue.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, must also be scanned separately.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne or perfume? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-lock bag, it’s OK to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.
• There’s a possibility that you’ll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Airlines will not allow any pocket knives or other sharp items in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.