Byron Bay is served by a single airport, Ballina - Byron Gateway Airport (BNK).

If you’re staying in central Byron Bay, it’s wise to work out how you’ll get into the city before you arrive. The downtown area is approximately 23 kilometers from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.

With a few airports to choose from, Byron Bay is the sort of place that’s easy to book a flight to on short notice. The terminals that see most of the city’s air traffic are Gold Coast Airport (56 kilometers from downtown), BNK (23 kilometers from downtown) and QYN (0.16 kilometers from downtown).

Byron Bay is serviced by 7 airlines from 16 airports across the globe.

Most often, travelers choose to fly with Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Qantas when going to Byron Bay. The largest number of these flights come in from Sydney, with Virgin Australia operating this route the most frequently.

With roughly 466 nonstop flights operating every week, you’ll be landing in Byron Bay before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

A large number of flights to Byron Bay leave from Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland airports.

Where you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Sydney to Byron Bay, the average flight time is 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Melbourne it’s typically 2 hours and 2 minutes, and from Auckland it’s 3 hours and 29 minutes.

We all know those jet-setters who somehow score wonderfully cheap fares whenever they fly. Would you like to know how to do it for your Byron Bay vacation? Don’t leave it until the last possible moment to lock in your flight. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and find out if there are multiple airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on the airport you go for. Make sure you compare fares across air carriers as well. Finally, another easy way to save some cash is be ready to book fast. If you find a fantastic deal, don’t hesitate — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

Wherever you’re jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you’re well prepared. Check out these top travel tips that will help get your Byron Bay escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, put in your passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you’ll need some entertainment to help pass the time. A thrilling book and a phone filled with your favorite shows are good options. If you intend to catch more than just forty winks, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you’ll step off the plane looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between air carriers, the general rule of thumb is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, won’t be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your goal here is to be as comfortable as possible. Layer yourself up in natural-fiber clothing and pack a jacket just in case you get cold. Pick a pair of flat, well-fitting shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell during the flight. Leave the high heels and heavy hiking boots in your checked baggage.
• It’s likely you’ve heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by reduced mobility or inactivity. There are many ways to reduce your risk. Wear compression socks, drink plenty of water and keep your legs and feet moving. Wander up and down the aisles of the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

The secret is to be organized before you arrive at security. That way, you’ll be boarding that plane to Byron Bay before you know it. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and boarding pass before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All electronic devices, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item 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.
• There’s a good chance you’ll be asked to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a good idea.
• Pocket knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be confiscated at security, so put them in your checked luggage.