If you’re arriving by plane, you won’t have to ponder too long which airport to choose. Bitung has just one – Sam Ratulangi Intl. Airport (MDC).

Lengthy commutes don’t have to be stressful if you consider your options ahead of time. Downtown Bitung is 26 kilometers from Sam Ratulangi Intl. Airport (MDC), so it’s wise to know how you’ll get into the city before you arrive.

Sam Ratulangi Intl. Airport (MDC) is the only major airport in Bitung. Before you jet off, it’s a smart idea to find out a thing or two about it. The terminal sits around 26 kilometers from the center of town.

There are a total of 6 air carriers connecting Bitung to 11 airports around the world.

Lion Air and Citilink offer the majority of flights to Bitung. One of the most popular ways to get there is on a Lion Air flight leaving from Makassar.

Flying to someplace new is much more straightforward when there aren’t any annoying stopovers to slow you down. If you’re making your way to Bitung, the awesome news is that there are approximately 125 direct flights operating every week.

Flights to Bitung from Jakarta, Makassar and Surabaya airports are in high demand.

Which city you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Makassar to Bitung, the average flight time is 1 hour and 48 minutes. From Jakarta it takes about 3 hours and 26 minutes, and from Ternate it’s 1 hour and 10 minutes.

If you’d like to have some extra spending money on your trip to Bitung, then listen up! As every seasoned jet-setter will tell you, don’t book at the very last minute. Prices are generally more expensive just prior to the departure date. 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 go for. Be sure to compare prices across airlines too. Lastly, another easy way to save some cash is be ready to book fast. If you spot a good bargain, don’t hold off — grab it while you’ve got the chance.

No matter where you’re coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you’ve prepared well. We’ve put together a list of top travel tips that will help get your Bitung vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let’s start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It’s also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Last but not least, be sure to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) won’t be allowed on. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as spray paint, flares and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of a plane are no place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and don’t forget to bring a cardigan as it can get quite cool in the cabin on long-haul flights. Closed-toed, flat shoes are always a good idea too.
• Unfortunately, a risk of flying long-haul is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this, take every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another easy way to help lower your risk.

It’s simple — be prepared. We’ve rounded up some useful tips for a speedy trip through security. Look out Bitung, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to check that you have a valid passport and matching boarding pass before anything else. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as your turn draws near.
• For just a few moments, you’ll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Can’t travel without your favorite hand cream? As long as it’s in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you in your carry-on.
• Slip-on shoes are a sensible footwear choice as you’re less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Safety boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Airlines won’t allow any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.