Cheap Flights to San Jose

San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) is the main airport in San Jose.

With several airports to choose from, San Jose is one of those places that's easy to fly to at the last minute. The terminals that see most of the city's air travel are San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) (56 kilometres from downtown), San Jose Intl. Airport (5 kilometres from downtown) and OAK (48 kilometres from downtown).

There are 61 airlines that fly to San Jose from 136 airports around the world.

San Jose receives the highest number of flights from United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Delta with United Airlines being the preferred choice of carrier. Los Angeles is the most popular city for passengers to depart from.

Flying to somewhere new is much more straightforward when there aren't any annoying stopovers to slow you down. If you're off to San Jose, the fantastic news is that there are around 4,722 direct flights each week.

Travellers often jet off from Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Seattle airports when flying to San Jose.

If it's Los Angeles you're departing, you'll be in the air for around 1 hour and 26 minutes before you arrive in San Jose. Runway to runway from Las Vegas takes around 1 hour and 39 minutes and from Seattle, the flight time is 2 hours and 13 minutes.

We all know those lucky jet-setters who manage to grab super cheap plane tickets every time they fly. Would you like to know how to do it for your San Jose holiday? Don't leave it until the last minute to lock in your flight. Don't stop there, however. Do some research and check if there are a few airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on the airport you go for. Remember to compare prices across airlines as well. And finally, remember that it's first in, best dressed. Familiarise yourself with airfare costs and have your credit card ready to snap up a ticket as soon as you spot a bargain. The best deals never last long.

Wherever you're coming from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you've planned ahead. We've compiled a list of essential travel tips that will get your San Jose holiday started on the right note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right gear. First of all you'll need basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a good novel. Next, make room in your hand luggage for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and perhaps a cosy neck pillow as well. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like screwdrivers, knives, fuel and fireworks. Sports equipment like ski poles, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your aim is to be as comfortable as you can. Pick a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case it gets chilly in the cabin.
• Most of us have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink lots of water, consider wearing compression tights or socks and move your legs and feet often.

A little pre-planning before your flight will help make your trip to San Jose quick and painless. Below you'll find some handy tips for a stress-free journey through security:

• First things first. Your passport and travel documents will need to be inspected by airport security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your earphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your laptop, phone and any other electronic devices will also need to go through the scanner.
• Travelling with a new perfume or cologne? Not a problem. 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, you can keep it with you in your carry-on.
• There's a good chance you'll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Take all prohibited items out of your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them in your checked suitcase. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.