Carlsbad is served by just a single airport, McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD).

McClellan-Palomar Airport is conveniently close to the heart of the city. You’ll find it only 2 kilometers from downtown Carlsbad.

Hop off the plane at San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) and you’ll find yourself 48 kilometers from the center of town. McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) is another major airport in Carlsbad. It sits 2 kilometers from the city center.

There are 16 airlines that jet into Carlsbad from 62 airports across the globe.

Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines offer the most flights to Carlsbad. One of the most common ways to travel there is on a Southwest Airlines flight from Santa Clara.

Flying to somewhere new is much more straightforward when there aren’t any lengthy stopovers. If you’re traveling to Carlsbad, the great news is that there are approximately 1,809 nonstop flights each week.

The most popular flights to Carlsbad depart from San Francisco, Sacramento and Santa Clara airports.

Which city you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to enjoy. From Santa Clara to Carlsbad, the average flight time is 1 hour and 21 minutes. From Sacramento it’s more like 1 hour and 29 minutes, and from Las Vegas it’s 1 hour and 9 minutes.

If you’d like to have some extra spending money on your trip to Carlsbad, listen up! As every experienced jet-setter will tell you, don’t leave booking until the last minute. Fares are often highest close to the departure date. Another fantastic way to land the most competitive fare is to shop around. If where you’re headed has multiple airports, be sure to look into the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. Finally, be ready to book quickly if you stumble on a great deal. It might not stick around for too long. With a bit of knowledge and some luck, the ideal airfare can be yours.

If you’re poorly prepared, air travel can be overwhelming. But there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy tips and enjoy a pain-free start to your getaway in Carlsbad.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having an awesome flight experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, cash and vital medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help keep you occupied, like some electronic gadgets or a juicy novel. It’s also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don’t forget to chuck in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as guns and swords, can’t come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The main aim is to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Layer up in breathable clothing and don’t forget to pack a cardigan in case it gets cold in the cabin. Pick a pair of well-fitting, flat shoes as your feet may swell a little during the journey. Leave the stilettos and heavy boots in your luggage.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. But the great news is there are numerous ways to reduce your risk of developing it. Drink plenty of water, walk around the cabin as much as possible and wear compression tights or socks.

The answer is simple — be organized. We’ve put together some tips and tricks for a hassle-free trip through security. Watch out Carlsbad, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them handy so you don’t have to dig around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as your coat or jacket. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Can’t travel without your favorite cologne or perfume? Not a problem. As long as it’s in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-close bag, you’re permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on baggage.
• There’s a good chance you’ll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won’t be allowed on board and will be confiscated.