Tawau Airport (TWU) is the sole airport near Semporna.

There are two major airports that operate in Semporna. TWU is approximately 56 kilometers from the downtown area, while SMM is approximately 3 kilometers away. After you take a look at prices and find out where you’re staying, you’ll better know which to touchdown at.

With 2 airlines flying into Semporna from 4 airports across the world, your ideal flight is only a few clicks away.

AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines are some of the most well-known airlines with flights to Semporna. Travelers often choose Kuala Lumpur to take off from with AirAsia operating the most flights on this route.

With 99 direct flights operating each week, you’ll be hitting the tarmac in Semporna before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

The most popular flights to Semporna set off from Kuala Lumpur, Sandakan and Senai airports.

If it’s Kuala Lumpur you’re departing, you’ll be in the air for around 2 hours and 56 minutes before you touchdown in Semporna. Airport to airport from Sandakan takes around 40 minutes and from Senai, 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Semporna until the last moment. That’s one move frequent jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking ahead means more options and less expensive flights. Also, shop around and compare your options. If your destination has a few airports, you may be able to nab a great deal by flying into one a little farther out. Last but not least, be prepared to book quickly if you find a great price. It might not stick around for long! With a bit of know-how and some good fortune, the ideal fare will be yours.

We’ve got the lowdown on how to make your flight as stress-free as possible. Follow our top tips and you’ll be hightailing it through airport security and exploring Semporna in next to no time.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, put in your passport, important documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you’ll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a laptop filled with your favorite shows are some terrific options. If you plan to catch forty winks, a neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items to ensure you step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don’t have a Swiss Army knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The long, narrow aisles of an airplane are no fashion runway. Layer up with comfy clothing and take a sweater as the temperature can drop inside the cabin on long-haul flights. Flat, enclosed shoes are also a wise idea.
• The serious condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It’s the result of blood clotting due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking up and down the aisle and doing foot and leg exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a quality pair of compression socks can also help.

Being organized before you get to the airport can make your trip to Semporna a breeze. We’ve rounded up some handy tips for a stress-free journey past security:

• Be sure to have your passport and travel documents easily accessible. They’ll be the first things you’ll be asked to present to airport security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings like your jacket, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, pack them in your checked baggage. They won’t be allowed on board.