If you’re arriving by air, you won’t have to worry which airport to choose. Altoona has just one – Blair County Airport (AOO).

Lengthy commutes aren’t a big deal if you plan ahead for them. Downtown Altoona is 26 kilometers from Blair County Airport (AOO), so it’s smart to know how you’ll get into the city before you land.

Altoona is serviced by 14 air carriers from at least 49 airports around the world.

United Airlines and American Airlines fly often into Altoona. Hopping on a United Airlines flight from Chicago is one of the most popular ways to get there.

Flying to someplace new is much easier when there aren’t any stopovers. If you’re heading to Altoona, the awesome news is that there are around 910 nonstop flights operating every week.

The most popular flights to Altoona set off from Chicago, Philadelphia and Atlanta airports.

If you’re going to Altoona from Chicago, you’ll have a flight duration of 1 hour and 32 minutes. Those leaving from Queens Village can expect to be midair for 1 hour and 37 minutes. From New Jersey it’s around 1 hour and 23 minutes away.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Altoona until the last moment. That’s one move savvy travelers use to get the best deals. Booking ahead means more options and more affordable flights. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and see if there is more than one airport at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on the airport you pick. Remember to compare fares across airlines as well. And finally, don’t forget that it’s first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to grab your ticket as soon as you see an unbeatable bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

Wherever you’re jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you’re well prepared. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will get your Altoona vacation started on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a stress-free flight experience is to plan ahead. First up, the essentials: passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, bring items that’ll help while away those hours, like your laptop or a good book. You’ll also want to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don’t forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or 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 dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as flares, chemicals agents and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be the goal when choosing what to wear during your flight. Consider your choice of footwear carefully too, as swollen feet are quite common. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy are always a good idea.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. The good news is there are numerous ways to significantly reduce your risk of developing it. Stay well hydrated, wander through the cabin as much as possible and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is — be prepared. We’ve put together some top tips for a stress-free trip through security. Look out Altoona, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by so you don’t have to dig around for them.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your belt, jacket and headphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online in no time.
• Traveling with a new perfume or cologne? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-close bag, you’re permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There’s a good chance you’ll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.