Yokohama is served by a single airport, Haneda Airport (HND).

If you plan on staying in central Yokohama, it’s a smart idea to arrange how you’ll get into the city before you arrive. The downtown area is 24 kilometres from HND.

Before booking your tickets to Yokohama, it’s a smart idea to find out which airport is most convenient. Tokyo Haneda Airport is 24 kilometres from the downtown area. If you hit the runway at NRT, you’ll find yourself 80 kilometres away from the center of the city.

There are 72 air carriers connecting Yokohama with 125 airports across the world.

ANA, JAL and Air Do fly the most frequently to Yokohama. The majority of flights originate in Chitose, with ANA having the most services on this route.

Flying to someplace new is much simpler when there aren’t any annoying stopovers to slow you down. If you’re heading to Yokohama, the good news is that there are roughly 5,448 direct flights each week.

Flights to Yokohama departing from Fukuoka, Naha and Itami airports are the most in demand.

If it’s Chitose you’re leaving behind, you’ll be in the sky for around 1 hour and 43 minutes before you arrive in Yokohama. Airport to airport from Fukuoka takes around 1 hour and 42 minutes and from Naha, 2 hours and 22 minutes.

Don’t leave booking your flight to Yokohama until the very last minute. That’s one trick well-versed jet-setters use to get the best deals. Booking ahead means more options and less expensive flights. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and check if there are multiple airports at your destination. Fares often differ depending on the airport you pick. Make sure you compare prices across air carriers as well. Lastly, another easy way to save some cash is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you see a terrific bargain, don’t hesitate — grab it while the opportunity’s there.

Wherever you’re jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you’ve prepared well enough. Take a peek at these essential travel tips that will get your Yokohama vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The trick to having a worry-free travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let’s start with the essentials: passport, travel docs, bank cards and important medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help keep you entertained, like some electronic gadgets or a thrilling book. It’s also a wise idea to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earphones. Finally, be sure to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant and a spare set of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of prohibited items can differ between airlines, the general rule of thumb is avoid carrying anything sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes box cutters, razor blades, aerosol cans and flares. Sports equipment like baseball bats, and items that could harm other people, such as firearms and swords, can’t come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your priority when selecting what to wear on your flight. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen ankles and feet are a common occurrence. Flat shoes which are slightly roomy are always a smart option.
• A condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a risk on long-haul flights. It’s the result of blood clotting due to poor circulation. Doing regular leg and foot exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a good pair of compression socks or tights is also a wise idea.

A little pre-planning before your flight will make your getaway to Yokohama quick and painless. Check out our handy hints for a speedy journey past security:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like coins, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• For just a few minutes, you’ll have to unplug from the digital world. Your tablet, phone and any other electronic devices must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a good footwear choice as you’re less likely to have to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy-style shoes are often subjected to additional screening.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) are not allowed in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so put them in your checked baggage.