Many people choose to fly into O’Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) when visiting Lowell. However, there’s more than just one airport here, so keep that in mind when arranging your travel plans.

Before flying to Lowell, it’s a wise idea to find out which airport is the most convenient. ORD is 88 kilometers from downtown. If you hit the runway at Chicago Airport, you’ll find yourself 64 kilometers away from the city center.

There are 45 airlines that jet into Lowell from 220 airports around the world.

Lowell receives the most flights from American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines with American Airlines being the preferred choice of airline. Queens Village is the most popular city for travelers to jet off from.

With 8,014 direct flights operating every week, you’ll be landing in Lowell before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers often depart from Atlanta, Denver and Dallas airports when heading to Lowell.

If it’s Queens Village you’re leaving behind, you’ll be airborne for around 2 hours and 34 minutes before you arrive in Lowell. Tarmac to tarmac from Washington takes approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes and from Denver, the flight time is 2 hours and 23 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Lowell until the very last minute. That’s one trick seasoned jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking in advance means more options and more affordable flights. Another easy way to land a bargain is to research all options. If your destination has a few airports, research the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. And finally, don’t forget that the early bird catches the worm. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and have your credit card ready to book your ticket as soon as you spot a bargain. The sweetest deals don’t last long.

If you’re not prepared, air travel can be daunting. But don’t hit the panic button just yet. Follow these tips and tricks and enjoy a hassle-free start to your vacation in Lowell.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, pack in your passport, travel docs, wallet and vital medications. Next, you’ll need some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some terrific options. If you intend to catch up on some sleep, a neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you’ll touchdown looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to feel as comfortable as you can. Dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and remember to bring a cardigan just in case you get chilly. Opt for a pair of roomy, flat shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the journey. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your luggage.
• Unfortunately, one risk of flying long-haul is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clot condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to walk around the cabin and stretch your legs. Compression socks and tights are another great idea to help reduce this risk.

The answer is simple — be organized. We’ve compiled some top tips for a speedy trip through security. Watch out Lowell, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be inspected by airport security. Keep them someplace accessible so you don’t have to dig around for them.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with your favorite hand cream? As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes usually aren’t.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.