Lambert-St. Louis Intl. Airport (STL) is the sole airport serving Villa Ridge.

Make your way through the doors of Lambert-St. Louis Intl. Airport (STL) and your Villa Ridge getaway will have begun! The city’s main airport, it’s located 56 kilometers from the downtown streets.

There are 12 air carriers that fly into Villa Ridge from 64 airports around the world.

United Airlines and American Airlines offer the majority of flights to Villa Ridge. One of the most common ways to travel there is with a United Airlines flight from Chicago.

With roughly 1,319 direct flights running every week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Villa Ridge before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

The most popular flights to Villa Ridge set off from Denver, Dallas and Chicago airports.

Which city you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Chicago to Villa Ridge, the average flight time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Queens Village it’s more like 2 hours and 51 minutes, and from Denver it’s 1 hour and 59 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Villa Ridge until the last moment. That’s one move frequent travelers use to get the best deals. Booking ahead means more options and cheaper flights. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and check if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on which airport you use. Make sure you compare fares across airlines too. And finally, remember that the early bird catches the worm. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and be ready to secure your ticket as soon as you spot a bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

If you’re poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But don’t hit the panic button just yet. Follow these useful tips for a pain-free start to your vacation in Villa Ridge.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It’s simple — first, put in your passport, travel documents, cash and medications. Next, you’ll want some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling novel and a phone filled with your favorite shows are always good options. If you hope to take a short nap, a neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, squeeze in a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you hop off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items can differ between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like tools, metal cutlery, spray paint and flares. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could harm other people, such as swords and guns, won’t be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight is often as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare for changes in temperature by bringing layers. That way you’ll stay nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will appreciate it.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance flying is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression socks and tights are another great idea to help lower your risk.

It’s easy — be prepared. We’ve rounded up some top tips for a stress-free trip through security. Look out Villa Ridge, here you come:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don’t have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might trigger the alarms. Personal belongings like your belt, jacket and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. Don’t worry though, you’ll be back online soon enough.
• Any liquids or gels, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you’re less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of 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.