Pictou Island is served by just one airport, Charlottetown Airport (YYG).

There are 9 airlines that fly into Pictou Island from 20 airports around the world.

Air Canada, WestJet and Swoop are the most frequent fliers to Pictou Island. The highest number of flights originate in Toronto, with Air Canada offering the most services on this route.

Organizing an amazing Pictou Island adventure is a cinch when there are 313 direct flights each week to choose from.

Flights to Pictou Island departing from Toronto, Montreal and Saint John airports are very popular.

Which city you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Toronto to Pictou Island, the average flight time is 2 hours and 8 minutes. From Montreal it’s around 1 hour and 38 minutes, and from Ottawa it’s 1 hour and 51 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Pictou Island until the very last minute. That’s one move seasoned jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking in advance means more choices and less expensive flights. Another great way to pick up the most competitive fare is to research all options. If where you’re headed has a few airports, look into the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. Lastly, another easy way to save a few dollars is be ready to book fast. If you find a fantastic bargain, don’t think twice — grab it while you’ve got the chance.

If you’re not prepared, traveling can be daunting. But there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a hassle-free start to your vacation in Pictou Island.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great flight experience is to pack ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, travel documents, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring items that’ll help while away those hours, like some electronic gadgets or a magazine. You’ll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don’t forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of banned items differs between airlines, the general rule to follow is avoid carrying anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes knives, scissors, spray paint and flares. Sporting equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and firearms, can’t come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be your main priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Consider your choice of footwear carefully too, as swollen feet are a common side effect of flying. Shoes which are flat and slightly roomy are your best bet.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance flying is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression tights and socks are another great idea to help lower your risk.

The secret is to be well organized before you reach airport security. That way, you’ll be stepping onto that plane to Pictou Island in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a great start:

• First things first. Your passport and boarding pass will need to be shown to airport security. Have them easily accessible to avoid fumbling around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes items like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as perfume or hairspray, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Lightweight sneakers usually aren’t.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.