Flights to Hateruma, Taketomi from NT$3,900

Painushima Airport (ISG) is the one and only airport serving Hateruma.

A flight to Hateruma means touching down at ISG. Get off the plane, gather your bags and you’ll be 56 kilometers from the downtown area.

There are a total of 5 air carriers connecting Hateruma with 8 airports globally.

Most often, travelers fly with Japan Transocean Air, ANA and Solaseed Air when going to Hateruma. The biggest proportion of these flights come from Naha, with Japan Transocean Air operating this route the most.

With roughly 243 direct flights operating every week, you’ll be hitting the runway in Hateruma before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

The most popular flights to Hateruma depart from Naha, Tokyo and Nagoya airports.

If it’s Naha you’re leaving behind, you’ll be airborne for around 1 hour and 2 minutes before you touchdown in Hateruma. Runway to runway from Tokyo typically takes 3 hours and 40 minutes and from Tajiri, 2 hours and 45 minutes.

We all know those fortunate travelers who manage to nab extremely cheap fares every time they fly. Eager to know how to do it for your Hateruma vacation? Don’t leave it until the very last minute to lock in your flight. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to pick up a fantastic deal by flying into a smaller terminal. Last of all, be ready to lock in your seat quickly if you stumble on a real bargain. It might not stick around for too long. With a bit of knowledge and a little luck, the perfect airfare will be yours.

Wherever you’re coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. We’ve made a list of handy tips and tricks that will help get your Hateruma vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Traveling on a plane can be a great experience if you’ve got all the right stuff. Firstly, you’ll want some basic toiletry items, such as toothpaste, a toothbrush and some deodorant, a clean set of clothes and a good read. Secondly, leave space in your bag for your phone and charger, medications and perhaps a comfy neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to bring your passport, travel documents and your bank cards.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don’t have sharp objects (like a knife or scissors) lurking in one of the zippers of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as fuel and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are no fashion runway. Wear comfortable clothes and pack a sweater as it can get chilly inside the cabin on long-haul flights. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are also a good idea.
• Unfortunately, one risk of long-distance travel is developing DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by extended periods of inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression socks and tights are another great idea to help lower your risk.

It’s easy — be prepared. We’ve put together some top tips for an easy trip through security. Look out Hateruma, here you come:

• First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don’t hold up the line.
• Your belt, coat, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn arrives.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online before you know it.
• Want to bring along your favorite perfume or cologne? Not a problem. As long as it’s in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-close bag, it’s OK to bring with you in your carry-on luggage.
• There’s a good chance you’ll be asked to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a clever idea.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked baggage. They won’t be allowed on board and will be confiscated.