Flights to Datong, Shanxi from NT$10,352

Datong has only one airport, Datong Airport (DAT).

Lengthy commutes aren’t a big deal if you consider your options ahead of time. Downtown Datong is 27 kilometers from Datong Yungang Airport, so it’s smart to know how you’ll get into the city before you arrive.

Travelers from across the globe pass through Datong Airport (DAT) each day. Step off the plane, get your bags and you’ll be 27 kilometers from the heart of Datong.

There are 7 airlines that service Datong from 12 airports across the globe.

Flights into Datong are typically operated by China Eastern Airlines. The greatest number of flights jet off from Shanghai, with China Eastern Airlines servicing this route the most.

With around 95 nonstop flights operating each week, you’ll be landing in Datong before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers frequently set off from Harbin, Yinchuan and Nanjing airports when flying to Datong.

Which city you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Shanghai to Datong, the average flight time is 2 hours and 52 minutes. From Dalian it’s roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes, and from Chongqing it’s 2 hours and 11 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Datong until the last minute. That’s one move frequent travelers use to get the best deals. Booking well in advance means more options and cheaper flights. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has several airports, you may be able to score a fantastic deal by flying into one that’s farther away. Lastly, another easy way to save some money is be ready to book fast. If you stumble on an amazing deal, don’t hold off — snap it up while the opportunity’s there.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your trip to Datong could be as easy as pie or it could go on forever. We’ve pulled together some useful travel tips that will help you start your unforgettable escape on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a great travel experience is to pack ahead. So, let’s start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and daily medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help pass the time, like your laptop or a good book. It’s also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. And of course, don’t forget to chuck in toiletry items like a toothbrush, facial wipes and a spare change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items can differ between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes tools, metal cutlery, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and objects that could harm passengers, such as firearms and swords, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The answer to a comfortable flight is as simple as your choice of clothing. Prepare yourself for varying temperatures by layering up. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin starts to cool down. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left in your checked suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you later.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers on long-haul flights. But the great news is there are proven ways to significantly reduce your risk of developing it. Stay well hydrated, walk up and down the aisles as often as you can and wear compression socks or tights.

A little pre-planning before you get to the airport can make your getaway to Datong easy and painless. Below are some useful tips for a swift journey past security:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don’t have to dig around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the alarm. This includes items like headphones or earphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• All electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, are also required to be scanned separately.
• Remove all gels and liquids from your carry-on bag. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you’re less likely to be required to remove them when passing through security. Big boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked luggage.