If you’re arriving by plane, you won’t have to worry which airport to fly into. Southwest Harbor has just one – Hancock County - Bar Harbor Airport (BHB).

Hancock County–Bar Harbor Airport is 19 kilometers from downtown Southwest Harbor, so you’ll have a bit of a commute into the center of the city.

Sitting 19 kilometers from the downtown area, BHB is the gateway to Southwest Harbor.

With only one airline going to Southwest Harbor, your options are limited. It’s a wise idea to lock in your tickets well in advance.

Cape Air operates the majority of the flights to Southwest Harbor. Grabbing a Cape Air flight from Boston is the preferred way to get there.

With 42 nonstop flights each week, you’ll be arriving in Southwest Harbor before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

Boston is an extremely popular departure point for travelers heading to Southwest Harbor.

From take off out of Southwest Harbor to touchdown in Boston takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.

If you’d like to have some extra spending money on your trip to Southwest Harbor, then listen up! As any seasoned jet-setter will tell you, don’t leave booking until the last minute. Fares are often highest close to the departure date. Also, shop around and compare your options. If your destination has a few airports, you may be able to nab a terrific deal by flying into one a little farther out. And finally, don’t forget that the early bird catches the worm. Know what a typical airfare costs and have your credit card ready to secure your seat as soon as you see an unbeatable bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

If you’re poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But don’t hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a hassle-free start to your getaway in Southwest Harbor.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, you’ll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet filled with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you intend to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you’ll hop off the plane feeling fresh as a daisy.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, knives, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like hockey sticks, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, won’t be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to feel as comfortable as you can. Dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and don’t forget to pack a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Opt for flat, slightly roomy shoes as your feet may swell during the flight. Leave the stilettos and heavy hiking boots in your checked luggage.
• A condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Doing foot and leg exercises while seated helps to prevent this developing. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression socks is also a wise idea.

Being organized before you get to the airport will make your getaway to Southwest Harbor quick and painless. Read through our handy tips for a swift journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Your coat, belt, keys and other small items, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few moments, you’ll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and bulky shoes are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren’t.
• 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, check them in.