Austin-Bergstrom Intl. Airport (AUS) is the only airport near San Marcos.

Austin–Bergstrom International Airport is 48 kilometers from downtown San Marcos, so prepare yourself for a bit of a journey into the center of the city.

A flight to San Marcos means hitting the tarmac at Austin-Bergstrom Intl. Airport (AUS). Disembark the plane, gather your bags and you’ll be 48 kilometers from the downtown area.

There are 16 airlines connecting San Marcos with 79 airports around the world.

American Airlines operates the majority of the flights to San Marcos. Catching an American Airlines flight from Dallas is the preferred way of getting there.

Flying to someplace new is much easier when there aren’t any stopovers involved. If you’re traveling to San Marcos, the great news is that there are around 1,789 direct flights operating every week.

Travelers frequently set off from Dallas, Houston and Denver airports when going to San Marcos.

Which airport you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Dallas to San Marcos, the average flight time is 1 hour and 3 minutes. From Chicago it’s around 2 hours and 47 minutes, and from Houston it’s 56 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to San Marcos until the last minute. That’s one move seasoned travelers use to get the best deals. Booking ahead means more options and less expensive flights. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and check if there are multiple airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on the airport you fly into. Don’t forget to compare fares across air carriers as well. Last but not least, be ready to secure your seat quickly if you find an irresistible price. It might not be available for long. With a bit of knowledge and a little luck, the perfect fare will be yours.

If you’re poorly prepared, airports and flying can be challenging. But there’s no need to panic. Follow these handy hints for a comfortable start to your vacation in San Marcos.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a comfortable experience if you bring the right stuff. First things first, you’ll need basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and some deodorant, a spare change of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, find a spot in your hand luggage for your phone and charger, any medications and maybe a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don’t have a pocket knife lurking in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Dress in loose, natural-fiber clothing and bring a cardigan in case it gets chilly in the cabin. Opt for roomy, flat shoes as your feet may swell during the flight. Leave the stilettos and hiking boots in your checked luggage.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long flights. The great news is there are proven ways to reduce your risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, wander through the cabin as often as you can and wear compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be organized. We’ve put together some helpful hints for a speedy trip through security. Look out San Marcos, here you come:

• Airport 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 ready to show.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned separately.
• Can’t travel without your favorite cologne or perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-close bag, it’s OK to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you’re less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked bags.