Cheap Flights to California

Book a flight to California with Expedia and you'll be hitting the tarmac at Columbia Regional Airport (COU).

Long commutes aren't a big deal if you plan ahead for them. Downtown California is 40 kilometres from COU, so it's smart to know how to get to the city before you land.

A flight to California means coming in to land at Columbia Regional Airport. Step off the plane, gather your bags and you'll be 40 kilometres from downtown.

You have a few choices if you're travelling to California. Select from 2 air carriers that service this destination from at least 2 airports worldwide.

American Airlines operates most of the flights to California. Catching an American Airlines flight from Dallas is the preferred way of getting there.

With roughly 35 nonstop flights running every week, you'll be arriving in California before you can ask, "Are we there yet?"

While people fly from all corners of the earth to visit the vibrant city of California, the most popular flights jet off from Dallas and Chicago.

Flights from Dallas to California typically take 1 hour and 39 minutes. Or you could choose to depart from Chicago instead, which means you'll be midair for somewhere around 1 hour and 29 minutes.

We all know those lucky jet-setters who manage to pick up impossibly cheap airfares every time they fly. Would you like to know how to do it for your California holiday? Don't leave it until the last moment to lock in your flight. Another terrific way to get the most competitive fare is to shop around. If your destination has a few airports, look into the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. Lastly, another easy way to save some money is be ready to book fast. If you spot a good bargain, don't hesitate — snap it up while you can.

If you're poorly prepared, travelling can be testing. But there's no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these helpful hints and enjoy a pleasant start to your holiday in California. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First of all, pack your passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, you'll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling book and a laptop crammed with your favourite movies are some great options. If you plan to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, find room for a toothbrush and some deodorant so you'll hop off the plane feeling fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) hiding in one of the compartments of your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include flammable or explosive substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your top priority is to be as comfortable as possible. Opt for a pair of flat, closed-toe shoes, dress in loose, natural-fibre clothing and don't forget to take a jacket in case it gets cold in the cabin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation, so do some gentle leg and foot exercises in your seat and consider wearing compression socks or tights.

As seasoned travellers know, the secret is to be well organised before you reach security. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to California in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don't hold up the line.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go on a tray to be scanned. Don't worry though, you'll be back online in no time.
• Travelling with your favourite hand and nail cream? As long as it's in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and it's stored in a clear zip-close bag, it's fine to bring with you in your carry-on bag.
• There's a chance you'll need to take your shoes off to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.