Mecca is served by just one airport, King Abdulaziz Intl. Airport (JED).

A flight to Mecca means coming in to land at JED. Get off the plane, gather your bags and you’ll be 72 kilometers from the downtown streets.

There are 51 airlines connecting Mecca with 95 airports globally.

Saudia, flyadeal and flynas are the most frequent fliers to Mecca. The majority of these flights originate in Riyadh, with Saudia offering the most services on this route.

Organizing an amazing Mecca adventure is a walk in the park when there are 2,010 direct flights every week to choose from.

Flights to Mecca from Riyadh, Cairo and Dammam airports are highly sought after.

If it’s Riyadh you’re departing, you’ll be in the sky for around 1 hour and 38 minutes before you touchdown in Mecca. Tarmac to tarmac from Dammam takes approximately 2 hours and 19 minutes and from Cairo, it’s 2 hours and 9 minutes.

We all know those fortunate travelers who somehow manage to pick up extremely cheap airfares wherever they go. Want to know how to do it for your Mecca vacation? Don’t wait until the last possible moment to lock in your flight. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and find out if there are a couple of airports at your destination. Prices often differ depending on the airport you use. Remember to compare fares across airlines too. Last but not least, another easy way to save a few dollars is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you stumble on a fantastic bargain, don’t hold off — grab it while you can.

We’ve got the lowdown on how to make your flight a pleasant experience. Follow our tips and you’ll be speeding through the airport and enjoying Mecca in no time.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you’ve got all the right things. Firstly, you’ll want some basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a good book. Next, find a spot in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don’t forget to bring your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don’t have a pocket knife hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other banned items include flammable or explosive products, such as aerosol cans and fuel, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim here is to be as comfortable as possible. Don layers of natural-fiber clothing and remember to pack a jacket in case it gets cool in the cabin. Pick flat, well-fitting shoes as your feet may swell during the journey. Leave the high heels and hiking boots in your checked luggage.
• A serious condition known as DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a risk on long-haul flights. It’s the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation. Doing regular foot and leg exercises while seated helps to prevent this happening. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks or tights can also help.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you arrive at airport security. That way, you’ll be boarding that plane to Mecca in the blink of an eye. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your passport and travel documents 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 luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that is likely to set the alarm off. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and headphones need to go through the machine.
• For just a few minutes, you’ll have to unplug from technology. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several precious minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren’t.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked baggage. They won’t be allowed on board and will be confiscated.