Cheap Flights to Columbia , MD from CA $114

Many travellers like to fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) when visiting Columbia.

Lengthy commutes aren't a big deal if you consider your options ahead of time. Downtown Columbia is 40 kilometres from National Airport, so it's wise to know how to get to the city before you touchdown.

Before booking your flight to Columbia, it's smart to decide which airport is most convenient for you. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is 40 kilometres from downtown. If you touchdown at BWI Marshall, you'll find yourself 18 kilometres away from the centre of the city.

Columbia is serviced by 19 airlines from at least 114 airports around the world.

In general, travellers fly with American Airlines, JetBlue and Delta when heading off to Columbia. The biggest proportion of these flights depart from Boston, with American Airlines servicing this route the most.

Flying to someplace new is much more fun when there aren't any stopovers to slow you down. If you're travelling to Columbia, the good news is that there are 4,530 nonstop flights operating every week.

Flights to Columbia from Boston, Atlanta and Chicago airports are highly sought after.

If you're going to Columbia from Boston, you’re looking at a flight time of 1 hour and 46 minutes. Those jetting off from Atlanta should expect to be airborne for around 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Chicago it's roughly 1 hour and 52 minutes away.

If you'd like to save some cash on your Columbia vacation, then listen up! As every seasoned traveller knows, don't book at the very last minute. Prices are usually more expensive close to the departure date. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has a few airports, you may be able to nab an excellent deal by flying into one a little farther out. Last of all, another simple way to save some money is be ready to book at a moment's notice. If you find a good bargain, don't hesitate — snap it up while you can.

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you're prepared. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Columbia vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be easy if you've got all the right gear. First things first, you'll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and something to read. Secondly, find room in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, medications and perhaps a cozy neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, remember to bring your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, drills, spray paint and fireworks. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could injure passengers, such as firearms and ammunition, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on your flight. Loose, breathable clothing is a smart option, as are flat, slip-on shoes.
• Caused by prolonged periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-distance flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your feet and legs moving and wearing compression socks to help improve your circulation.

The answer is simple — be prepared. We've rounded up some tips and tricks for a fuss-free trip through security. Watch out Columbia, here you come:

• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport within close reach. They'll be the first things you'll be asked for by security.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that might set the alarms off. Items such as your jacket, belt and headphones need to go through the machine.
• All electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other bulky shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives to come on board with you. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked baggage.