Cheap Flights to Tsukuba

Tsukuba has several airports, but most travellers prefer to touch down at Haneda Airport (HND).

If you're planning on hopping on a flight to Tsukuba, you'll likely touchdown at Tokyo International Airport (64 kilometres from downtown). NRT (40 kilometres from downtown) is the other major airport here.

Tsukuba is serviced by 96 air carriers from 160 airports across the globe.

Tsukuba receives the most flights from Japan Airlines, ANA and Air Do with Japan Airlines being the preferred choice of carrier. Sapporo is the most popular city for passengers to depart from.

Flying to someplace new is much more fun when there aren't any stopovers involved. If you're jetting off to Tsukuba, the great news is that there are roughly 6,584 direct flights operating each week.

Flights to Tsukuba from Sapporo, Fukuoka and Osaka airports are the most popular.

If it's Sapporo you're departing, you'll be midair for around 1 hour and 44 minutes before you touchdown in Tsukuba. Tarmac to tarmac from Fukuoka takes around 1 hour and 43 minutes and from Osaka, the flight time is 1 hour and 16 minutes.

We all know those fortunate travellers who somehow manage to score wonderfully cheap airfares every time they fly. Want to know how to do it for your Tsukuba holiday? Don't leave it until the last possible moment to secure your flight. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has more than one airport, you may be able to score a terrific price by flying into one that's further away. And finally, don't forget that it's first in, best dressed. Know what a typical airfare costs and have your credit card ready to grab your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The best deals don't last long.

We've got the lowdown on how to make your flight an enjoyable experience. Follow our insider tips and you'll be breezing through the airport and having a ball in Tsukuba in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a pleasure if you bring the right things. Firstly, you'll want some basic toiletries, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a spare pair of socks and a few magazines. Next, make room in your carry-on bag for your phone and charger, any vital medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, remember to take your passport, travel documents and some cash.

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 sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, drills, fuels and bleaching agents. Sporting equipment like golf clubs, and objects that could injure passengers, such as swords and guns, can't come on board with you either.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to remove.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by prolonged inactivity, can be a risk on long-haul flights. Wander around the cabin and stretch your legs or do some gentle exercises in your seat to improve your circulation.

It's simple — be prepared. We've compiled some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through airport security. Watch out Tsukuba, here you come:

• Your travel ID and boarding pass will need to be presented to security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the queue.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, coat, keys and other contents of your pockets, like coins, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make your life easier by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be separately scanned.
• Don't forget to remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) and everything must fit inside a quart-size (one litre), clear zip-close bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a great footwear choice as you're less likely to have to remove them when passing through security. Boots and heavier-style shoes are usually subjected to extra screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp or pointed objects, put them in your checked luggage. They won't be allowed on board and will be confiscated.