Cheap Flights to The Woodlands , TX from CA $218

Many visitors like to fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) when visiting the buzzing city of The Woodlands.

If you plan on staying in central The Woodlands, it's a smart idea to organize how you'll get into the city before you arrive. The downtown area is approximately 23 kilometres from Houston Airport.

A flight to The Woodlands means jumping off the plane at Houston Airport or William P. Hobby Airport. The first is 23 kilometres away from the centre of the city. The second sits 56 kilometres away.

There are 30 air carriers connecting The Woodlands to 176 airports across the world.

Typically, travellers opt to fly with American Airlines, United Airlines and Frontier Airlines when going to The Woodlands. The biggest proportion of these flights come in from Dallas, with American Airlines operating this route the most.

With roughly 4,820 direct flights running each week, you'll be hitting the tarmac in The Woodlands before you can ask, "Are we there yet?"

Flights to The Woodlands departing from Dallas, Denver and Chicago airports are very popular.

Which airport you depart from determines how long you'll be strapped into your seat. From Dallas to The Woodlands, the average flight time is 1 hour and 16 minutes. From Denver it's around 2 hours and 29 minutes, and from Chicago it's 2 hours and 53 minutes.

Don't leave locking in your flight to The Woodlands until the last moment. That's one move seasoned jet-setters use to get the best prices. Booking in advance means more options and cheaper flights. Also, shop around and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to pick up an excellent deal by flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, remember that the early bird catches the worm. Know what a typical airfare costs and have your credit card ready to secure your ticket as soon as you spot an unbeatable bargain. The sweetest deals never last long.

Wherever you're jetting in from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you prepare well enough. Check out these handy tips that will get your The Woodlands vacation started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a great experience if you pack the right stuff. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletry items, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean set of clothes and a good read. Next, find room in your bag for your electronic gadgets, chargers, any vital medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, don't forget to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and strong acids, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to pull on and off.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It's the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

It's easy — be prepared. We've put together some helpful hints for a speedy trip through airport security. Watch out The Woodlands, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Have them easily accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray for inspection. No need to worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• There's a possibility that you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a smart idea.
• 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 baggage. They won't be allowed in the cabin.