Smolyan is served by a single airport, Sofia Airport (SOF).

There are a total of 20 airlines connecting Smolyan to 64 airports from all over the globe.

Ryanair and Ryanair UK operate the majority of flights to Smolyan. One of the most common ways to get there is with a Ryanair flight from London.

With 414 direct flights operating every week, you’ll be touching down in Smolyan before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers often jet off from London, Vienna and Frankfurt airports when heading to Smolyan.

Where you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to enjoy. From London to Smolyan, the average flight time is 3 hours and 4 minutes. From Vienna it usually takes 1 hour and 31 minutes, and from Istanbul it’s 1 hour and 16 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Smolyan until the last minute. That’s one trick frequent jet-setters use to get the best prices. Booking ahead means more options and cheaper flights. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has multiple airports, you may be able to score a great price by flying into a smaller terminal. Finally, another simple way to save some cash is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you stumble on a good bargain, don’t hesitate — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

If you’re not prepared, airports and flying can be daunting. But there’s no need to worry. Follow these handy hints for a trouble-free start to your time in Smolyan.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• A plane ride can be easy if you carry the right gear. Firstly, you’ll want some basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh set of clothes and a few magazines. Secondly, find a spot in your carry-on bag for your mobile phone, a charger, your medications and maybe a cozy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, don’t forget to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items differs between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, aerosol cans and flares. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as guns and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be the goal when picking what to wear on your flight. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swollen feet are a common occurrence. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy are always a smart option.
• The serious condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Walking up and down the aisle and doing leg and foot exercises in your seat helps to prevent this occurring. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce the risk.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you get to the security gate. That way, you’ll be stepping onto that plane to Smolyan in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass at hand. They’re the first items you’ll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your hand luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your jacket, belt and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Don’t forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• There’s a good chance you’ll need to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a good idea.
• Airlines won’t allow any sharp or pointed objects in your carry-on luggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, pack them in your checked luggage.