Flights to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah from NT$2,248

Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI) is the only airport near Kota Kinabalu.

If you’re staying in central Kota Kinabalu, you’ll be there within moments after touching down at BKI. The terminal is only 6 kilometers from the downtown area.

Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the only major airport in Kota Kinabalu. Before you fly, it’s a wise idea to research a thing or two about it. It sits 6 kilometers from the downtown area.

There are a total of 11 air carriers connecting Kota Kinabalu to 22 airports from all over the globe.

Kota Kinabalu receives the largest number of flights from AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines and Malindo Air with AirAsia being the preferred choice of airline. Kuala Lumpur is the most popular city for travelers to jet off from.

With 510 direct flights operating every week, you’ll be landing in Kota Kinabalu before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

A large number of flights to Kota Kinabalu depart from Kuala Lumpur, Tawau and Miri airports.

If it’s Kuala Lumpur you’re leaving behind, you’ll be midair for around 2 hours and 36 minutes before you touchdown in Kota Kinabalu. Tarmac to tarmac from Miri typically takes 47 minutes and from Tawau, the flight time is 50 minutes.

We’ve all come across those jet-setters who somehow score super cheap fares every time they fly. Would you like to know how to do it for your Kota Kinabalu vacation? Don’t leave it until the last possible moment to secure your flight. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to nab an excellent deal by flying into a smaller terminal. And finally, remember that it’s first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and have your credit card ready to grab your ticket as soon as you see an unbeatable bargain. The sweetest deals don’t last long.

Wherever you’re coming from, flying can be a pleasurable experience if you’ve planned ahead. Check out these handy tips that will help get your Kota Kinabalu escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you’ve got all the right stuff. Firstly, you’ll need toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean pair of socks and a good novel. Next, leave space in your hand luggage for your electronic devices, chargers, medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel papers and your credit cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hair gel in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated. Sharp objects, like your Swiss Army knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and fireworks, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should always be your highest priority when selecting what to wear during your flight. Consider your choice of footwear carefully too, as swollen ankles and feet are a common side effect of flying. Flat shoes which are slightly roomy are your best bet.
• Caused by lengthy periods of inactivity, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. But the great news is there are proven ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing it. Stay hydrated, get up and walk around the cabin as much as you can and wear compression socks to help improve your circulation.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well organized before you arrive at security. That way, you’ll be boarding that plane to Kota Kinabalu in no time at all. Follow these tips and get your trip off to a flying start:

• Your travel documents and ID will need to be shown to airport security. Have them easily accessible so you don’t hold up the queue.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to set off the 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 laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online in no time.
• Remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a good footwear choice as you’re less likely to be asked to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your carry-on baggage. If you need to bring these kinds of items, put them in your checked luggage.