Lourdes is served by a single airport, Tarbes - Lourdes - Pyrenees Intl. Airport (LDE).

If you’re staying in central Lourdes, it’s wise to organize how you’ll get into the city before you touchdown. The downtown area is about 11 kilometers from Tarbes - Lourdes - Pyrenees Intl. Airport.

If you’re planning on jumping on a plane to Lourdes, you’ll most likely land at Pau - Pyrenees Airport (40 kilometers from downtown). LDE (11 kilometers from downtown) is the other main airport that services the city.

There are 5 airlines that fly into Lourdes from 11 airports around the world.

Most of the flights heading into Lourdes are offered by Air France. The most popular route departs from Orly, and Air France flies this route the most.

With approximately 77 direct flights running every week, you’ll be hitting the tarmac in Lourdes before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Lourdes from Paris, Lyon and London airports are highly sought after.

If you’re going to Lourdes from Orly, you’ll have a flight time of 1 hour and 25 minutes. Those setting off from Paris can expect to be airborne for 1 hour and 28 minutes. From Lyon it’s 1 hour and 10 minutes away.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Lourdes until the last possible moment. That’s one trick seasoned travelers use to get the best deals. Booking in advance means more choices and more affordable flights. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and find out if there are multiple airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on which airport you jet into. Don’t forget to compare fares across air carriers too. Finally, be ready to book quickly if you stumble on a great price. It might not be available for long! With a bit of knowledge and a little luck, the ideal fare can be yours.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your flight to Lourdes could be a breeze or it could go on forever. We’ve put together some handy tips that will help you start your next unforgettable escape on a positive note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It’s simple — first, pack in your passport, travel docs, wallet and vital medications. Next, you’ll need some entertainment to while away the time. A juicy book and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some wonderful options. If you plan to catch up on some sleep, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some deodorant to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, blades, fireworks and fuel. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and items that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, won’t be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer up in natural fibers and pack a jacket in case it gets cool in the cabin. Go for a pair of flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell during the flight. Leave the stilettos and chunky boots in your main luggage.
• A serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It’s the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Doing regular foot and leg exercises in your seat helps to prevent this happening. Wearing a pair of compression tights or socks may also help.

The secret is to be prepared before you reach security. That way, you’ll be stepping onto that plane to Lourdes in no time flat. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to security personnel. Have them close by to avoid fumbling around for them.
• After that, both you and your carry-on bag will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items such as your coat, belt and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you’re less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and heavier-style shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won’t allow any sharp items or pocket knives in the cabin. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.