Flights to Portland, Michigan from

Gerald R. Ford Intl. Airport (GRR) is the only airport in Portland.

The journey between GRR and downtown Portland is fairly long. You’ll need to travel 48 kilometers before you can drop your bags at your city hotel.

Before flying to Portland, it’s a good idea to decide which airport is most convenient for you. Ford Airport is 48 kilometers from the downtown area. If you hit the runway at LAN, you’ll be 29 kilometers away from the city center.

There are 7 air carriers connecting Portland with 28 airports across the world.

United Airlines and American Airlines frequently fly to Portland. Hopping on a United Airlines flight from Chicago is one of the most popular ways to travel there.

With 355 direct flights operating every week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Portland before you can say, “Are we there yet?”

A large number of flights to Portland take off from Chicago, Detroit and Minneapolis - St. Paul airports.

Where you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to enjoy. From Chicago to Portland, the average flight time is 1 hour and 2 minutes. From Detroit it’s roughly 48 minutes, and from Atlanta it’s 1 hour and 51 minutes.

If you’d like to have some extra spending money on your Portland vacation, then listen up! As every seasoned traveler knows, avoid booking at the last minute. Fares are generally more expensive just prior to the departure date. Also, do some online research and compare your options. If your destination has several airports, you may be able to score a better deal by flying into a smaller terminal. And finally, remember that the early bird catches the worm. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and be ready to grab your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The sweetest deals never last long.

If you’re not prepared, airports and flying can be tough. But there’s no need to worry. Follow these tips and tricks for a trouble-free start to your vacation in Portland.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a stress-free travel experience is to be prepared. First up, the essentials: passport, travel docs, credit cards and important medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a thrilling novel. It’s also smart to bring your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Finally, don’t forget to squeeze in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between air carriers, the general rule to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like ski poles, and items that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, won’t be allowed on board either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The key to a comfortable flight can be as simple as the clothes you wear. Prepare for temperature changes by bringing layers. This will keep you nice and warm if the cabin starts to cool down. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left in your suitcase. Instead, go for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will thank you later.
• A condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potential risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation and inactivity. Doing foot and leg exercises in your seat helps to prevent this developing. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce the risk.

The secret is to be organized before you get to the security gate. That way, you’ll be stepping onto that plane to Portland in no time at all. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a fantastic start:

• Be sure to have your passport and boarding pass handy. They’ll be the first things you’ll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go on a tray through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Electronic devices like phones and laptops will also have to go through the machine for inspection. No need to worry though, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne or perfume? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-close bag, it’s fine to bring with you in your carry-on baggage.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers are usually not.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can’t be taken on board. They’ll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.