Cheap flights to San Diego

Most visitors like to fly into Jose Maria Cordova Intl. Airport (MDE) when visiting the lively city of San Diego. However, this is not the only airport here, so keep that in mind when finalizing your flights.

Medellin Airport is 16 kilometres from downtown San Diego, so expect a reasonable commute into the heart of the city.

If you're flying into San Diego, you'll likely arrive at Medellin Airport (16 kilometres from downtown). Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (3 kilometres from downtown) is the other major airport here.

There are 17 airlines that fly to San Diego from 42 airports across the globe.

With approximately 1,348 nonstop flights every week, you'll be touching down in San Diego before you can ask, "Are we there yet?"

Travellers frequently set off from Bogotá, Cali and Cartagena airports when going to San Diego.

If you're going to San Diego from Bogotá, you'll have a flight duration of 1 hour and 1 minute. Those setting off from Cartagena can expect to be midair for 1 hour and 11 minutes. From Cali it's approximately 59 minutes away.

If you want to save some cash on your trip to San Diego, listen up! As every experienced jet-setter knows, avoid booking at the last minute. Airfares are often highest close to the departure date. Don't stop there, though. Do some research and check if there are a few airports at your destination. Prices often differ depending on which airport you go for. Make sure you compare fares across air carriers too. And finally, remember that the early bird catches the worm. Know what a typical airfare costs and have your credit card ready to reserve your seat as soon as you spot a bargain. The best deals don't last long.

No matter where you're coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Take a peek at these handy tips and tricks that will help get your San Diego escape started on the right note.

What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a great experience if you take the right things. Firstly, you'll want a few basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare change of clothes and a magazine or two. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, your important medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don't forget to take your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have a sharp object lurking in your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive products, like aerosols and matches, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort really should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear during your flight. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swollen feet are quite common. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are always a smart option.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clotting condition that can affect passengers during long-haul flights. The good news is there are ways to reduce your risk of developing it. Keep your fluids up, wander around the cabin as much as possible and wear compression tights or socks.

Being organised before you get to the airport will help make your trip to San Diego a breeze. Below you'll find some handy tips and tricks for a speedy journey past security:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Have them ready for inspection.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage will be X-rayed. To speed things up, take off anything that might set the alarms off. Items like your belt, jacket and headphones will be required to go through the machine.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don't worry, you'll be back online in no time.
• Any liquids or gels, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to take on board must be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you valuable minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers are usually not.
• 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 suitcase. They won't be allowed in the cabin.