The Black Hills is served by just one airport, Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP).

Travelers from all corners of the globe go through Rapid City Regional Airport each day. Disembark the plane, collect your bags and you’ll find yourself 56 kilometers from the center of The Black Hills.

You’ll find 4 air carriers that service the route to The Black Hills. These fly in from 7 airports around the world.

United Airlines operates most of the flights to The Black Hills. Grabbing a United Airlines flight from Denver is the most popular way of getting there.

With around 76 direct flights running every week, you’ll be landing in The Black Hills before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers often set off from Denver, Dallas and Minneapolis - St. Paul airports when heading to The Black Hills.

If it’s Denver you’re leaving behind, you’ll be midair for around 1 hour and 19 minutes before you arrive in The Black Hills. Airport to airport from Minneapolis - St. Paul generally takes 1 hour and 46 minutes and from Dallas, 2 hours and 19 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to The Black Hills until the last moment. That’s one move seasoned jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking in advance means more options and cheaper flights. Also, do some online research 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 of all, be prepared to lock in your seat quickly if you find a great price. It might not be available for too long! With a bit of know-how and a little luck, the ideal airfare will be yours.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your journey to The Black Hills could be completely stress-free or it could go on forever. Below are some useful tips that will help you start your next great escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a worry-free travel experience is to pack in advance. First up, the essentials: passport, boarding pass, cash and any vital medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a good book. It’s also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. Finally, don’t forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don’t have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) lurking in one of the compartments of your hand luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive products, such as fuel and fireworks, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be your priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Consider your footwear choice with care too, as swelling of the feet and ankles can be a side effect of flying. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy are always a sensible way to go.
• Unfortunately, a risk of long-distance flying is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged periods of inactivity. To prevent this from happening, make the most of every opportunity to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. Compression tights and socks are another simple way to help minimize this risk.

The answer is — be prepared. We’ve compiled some helpful hints for a speedy trip through security. Look out The Black Hills, here you come:

• Have your boarding pass and ID close by. They’re the first things you’ll be asked to present to security.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other small items, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• All your electronic devices, including your phone and laptop, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as shampoo or hand cream, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you’re less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked luggage. They won’t be allowed on board and will be confiscated.