Memanbetsu Airport (MMB) is the sole airport in Kitami.

The trip between Memanbetsu Airport and downtown Kitami is fairly long. You’ll need to travel 32 kilometers before you can check in to your hotel in the city.

If you’re planning on hopping on a flight to Kitami, you’ll most likely hit the tarmac at Kushiro Airport (KUH) (97 kilometers from downtown). Memanbetsu Airport (MMB) (32 kilometers from downtown) is the other main airport that services the city.

With 4 airlines flying into Kitami from 4 airports across the globe, your ideal flight is just a few clicks away.

Kitami receives the most flights from JAL, Air Do and ANA with JAL being the favorite choice of airline. Tokyo is the most popular city for passengers to set off from.

Planning an awesome Kitami getaway is a piece of cake when there are 184 direct flights each week to choose from.

Tokyo and Chitose airports are very popular departure points for travelers flying to Kitami.

If you’re flying to Kitami from Tokyo, you’ll have a flight time of 1 hour and 40 minutes. Those leaving from Chitose can expect to be airborne for 47 minutes. From Sapporo (OKD-Okadama) it’s approximately 45 minutes away.

We all know those fortunate jet-setters who somehow score impossibly cheap fares wherever they go. Eager to know how to do it for your Kitami vacation? Don’t leave it until the last possible moment to secure your flight. Another easy way to grab the best deal is to research all options. If where you’re headed has several airports, be sure to look into the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. And finally, remember that it’s first in, best dressed. Familiarize yourself with airfare costs and be ready to grab your ticket as soon as you see a great bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

Wherever you’re coming from, flying can be an enjoyable experience if you prepare well enough. We’ve made a list of essential travel tips that will get your Kitami vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having an amazing travel experience is to pack in advance. So, let’s start with the basics: passport, travel docs, cash and daily medications. Next, take on board items that’ll help pass the time, like some electronic devices or a thrilling novel. It’s also wise to pack your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of headphones. And of course, don’t forget to squeeze in toiletries like a toothbrush, lip balm and a fresh change of clothes.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don’t have a pocket knife lurking in the bottom of your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, such as fuel and fireworks, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your prime concern when selecting what to wear on your flight. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen feet can be a side effect of flying. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are always a sensible way to go.
• A condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It results from blood clotting due to poor circulation. Walking around the cabin and doing regular leg and foot exercises while seated is a great way to prevent this from happening. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks or tights may also help.

As savvy travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach the security gate. That way, you’ll be hopping onto that plane to Kitami in next to no time. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a flying start:

• Airport security personnel first need to verify that you have a valid ID and travel documents before anything else. Keep them close by.
• Next up, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To speed things up, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Items like your belt, coat and earphones need to go through the machine.
• All your electronic gadgets, including your laptop and phone, must also be scanned separately.
• Don’t forget to remove gels and liquids from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each item should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Hiking or heavy-style boots are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren’t.
• Airlines will not allow any sharp items or pocket knives in your hand luggage. If you must bring these kinds of items, pack them safely in your checked baggage.