Boulder has only one airport, Denver Intl. Airport (DEN).

Denver Airport is the only major airport in Boulder. Before you step on the plane, it’s a wise idea to find out a thing or two about it. The terminal sits about 56 kilometers from the center of town.

There are 19 airlines that fly into Boulder from 193 airports around the world.

Typically, travelers opt to fly with United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and American Airlines when going to Boulder. The biggest proportion of these flights come in from Chicago, with United Airlines flying this route the most.

With 5,799 direct flights operating every week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Boulder before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

The most popular flights to Boulder set off from Dallas, Phoenix and Houston airports.

If you’re going to Boulder from Chicago, you’re looking at a flight time of 2 hours and 43 minutes. Those jetting off from Phoenix should expect to be airborne for around 1 hour and 49 minutes. From Las Vegas it’s about 1 hour and 55 minutes away.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Boulder until the last minute. That’s one move savvy jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking well in advance means more choices and less expensive flights. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and check if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Prices often differ depending on the airport you fly into. Don’t forget to compare prices across airlines as well. Lastly, be ready to book quickly if you stumble on a great price. It might not stick around for too long! With a bit of know-how and some good fortune, the ideal fare will be yours.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your flight to Boulder could be as easy as pie or it could drag on forever. Here are some handy travel tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, important documents, bank cards and vital medications. Next, you’ll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a tablet filled with your favorite shows are some great options. If you hope to take a quick nap, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a few toiletry items to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Make sure you don’t have sharp or pointed objects hiding in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel 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 narrow aisles of your plane are not the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and remember to bring a sweater as it can get chilly inside the cabin. Flat, enclosed shoes are also a good choice.
• You’ve probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of sitting. There’s lots you can do to lessen your risk. Don a pair of compression tights or socks, drink lots of water often and move your legs and feet. Wander up and down the aisles of the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

Being prepared before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Boulder easy and painless. Check out our top tips for a swift journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Have them within easy reach, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine is up next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. No need to worry though, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume or cologne? No problem. As long as it’s in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-close bag, you’re permitted to bring it with you on board.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked baggage. They won’t be allowed on board.