Cheap Flights to Rio de Janeiro

Many people like to fly into Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) when visiting the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro. However, you’ll find more than one airport in the region, so bear that in mind when finalizing your flights.

Santos Dumont Airport is only a short drive from the bright lights of downtown Rio de Janeiro. You’ll find it 2 kilometers from the center of the city.

Flying to Rio de Janeiro means touching down at either Santos Dumont Airport or Galeao - Antonio Carlos Jobim Intl. Airport (GIG). The first is 2 kilometers away from the city center. The second one is 13 kilometers away.

There are 18 airlines connecting Rio de Janeiro to 44 airports from all over the globe.

In general, travelers fly with LATAM Airlines, Gol and Azul when going to Rio de Janeiro. The largest number of these flights arrive from Sao Paulo, with LATAM Airlines flying this route the most frequently.

Organizing an awesome Rio de Janeiro escape is a walk in the park when there are 1,457 nonstop flights each week to get you there.

Flights to Rio de Janeiro departing from Sao Paulo, Brasília and Campinas airports are in high demand.

Which airport you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro, the average flight time is 1 hour and 1 minute. From Brasilia it’s more or less 1 hour and 44 minutes, and from Campinas it’s 1 hour and 4 minutes.

If you want to have some extra spending money on your Rio de Janeiro vacation, listen up! As any seasoned traveler will tell you, don’t leave booking until the last minute. Prices are usually more expensive close to the departure date. Another good way to land the best price is to research all options. If where you’re headed has multiple airports, research the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. And finally, remember that it’s first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and be ready to buy your ticket as soon as you spot an unbeatable bargain. The best deals never last long.

If you’re not prepared, air travel can be a real challenge. But there’s no need to hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a pleasant start to your time in Rio de Janeiro.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First and foremost, pack your passport, travel documents, bank cards and medications. Next, you’ll want some entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you intend to catch forty winks, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, find room for a few toiletry items so you’ll arrive looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Squeeze all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and matches, are also banned.

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight is often as simple as your clothing choices. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up. That way you’ll stay nice and warm if the cabin gets chilly. Shoes like flip flops and heels are best left in your suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like sneakers. Your feet will thank you later.
• The result of sustained periods of immobility, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a condition that can affect passengers on long-haul flights. The great news is there are numerous ways to lower your risk of developing it. Stay hydrated, walk up and down the aisles as much as possible and wear compression socks or tights.

It’s easy — be prepared. We’ve rounded up some top tips for a speedy trip through security. Look out Rio de Janeiro, here you come:

• Airport security personnel first need to determine that you have a valid ID and matching boarding pass before you’re allowed to proceed any further. Have them in your hand, ready for inspection.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronics, including your tablet and phone, will also need to be scanned.
• Want to bring along your favorite hand and nail cream? No problem. As long as it’s in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you can keep it with you on board.
• There’s a good chance you’ll be required to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a wise idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.