Gerald R. Ford Intl. Airport (GRR) is the one and only airport near Rockford.

The trip from GRR to downtown Rockford is fairly long. You’ll have to travel 27 kilometers before you can drop your bags at your city hotel.

A flight to Rockford means touching down at GRR. Disembark the plane, grab your baggage and you’ll be 27 kilometers from the downtown streets.

There are 6 air carriers that fly to Rockford from 28 airports around the world.

United Airlines and American Airlines are some of the leading airlines with flights to Rockford. Travelers often choose Chicago to set off from with United Airlines operating the most flights on this route.

Flying to a new place is much more fun when there aren’t any stopovers involved. If you’re heading to Rockford, the great news is that there are roughly 318 direct flights each week.

Travelers often jet off from Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis - St. Paul airports when flying to Rockford.

If you’re heading to Rockford from Chicago, you’re looking at a flight time of 58 minutes. Those leaving from Detroit can expect to be in the air for 53 minutes. From Atlanta it’s approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes away.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Rockford until the last possible moment. That’s one trick well-versed travelers use to get the best deals. Booking ahead means more options and cheaper flights. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has several airports, you may be able to pick up an excellent price by flying into a less busy terminal. Last but not least, another easy way to save some cash is be ready to book fast. If you come across an amazing bargain, don’t hold off — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

We’ve rounded up all the info you need to make your journey a pleasant experience. Follow our top tips and you’ll be breezing through airport security and having a blast in Rockford in no time at all.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let’s start with the essentials: passport, official ID, cash and medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a thrilling book. It’s also a wise idea to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, deodorant and a clean set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don’t have a Swiss Army knife lurking in your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable products, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of your plane are no place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfortable clothing and don’t forget to bring a cardigan as the temperature can drop inside the cabin during long-haul flights. Flat, enclosed shoes are also a good idea.
• Caused by sustained periods of inactivity, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers during long flights. The great news is there are proven ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing it. Stay hydrated, get up and wander the aisles as much as possible and wear compression socks or tights.

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

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Have them close by, ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Personal belongings such as your jacket, belt and earphones need to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don’t worry though, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hand cream, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• There’s a chance you’ll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a good idea.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.