One of the ways to reach Hachijojima is by flying with All Nippon Airlines (hereinafter ANA).
"Quick, often, and easy at the expense of a higher fare rate and the lack of adventure" is how I would describe flying to Hachijojima in one sentence, but if you are interested in a more elaborate overview, read on. Here we will check out some of the advantages and disadvantages of such method of transportation and other extra information.
Coming to Island
There is a very big probability that you have used airline services before if you are reading this, therefore I will not be going into details about booking, checking-in and the likes. Instead, let us focus on the service ANA provides.
In the past there were five daily flights, however, due to visitors plummet only three daily departures remain in operation which is still not bad. Beginning with advantages, I suppose everyone will agree that the main attraction of flying is probably its speed and convenience. Planes coming to Hachijojima depart from Haneda airport which has great access and being English-friendly should cause no trouble. It takes less than an hour to reach the island which is superb compared to ferry, and as a matter of fact all of the preparations take more time than the flight itself. Also, those who get to snatch the window seats can enjoy the ocean and see the passing islands if the weather is right.
The downside to flying is probably the fare. If you book well in advance you can get a good deal and fly for as low as 10,890 JPY during the off season,
however, the longer you wait the more it rises and caps at around 20,000 JPY one way per person, unless, of course, you buy business class about which we are not talking about. Another disadvantage, if one can call it that way, is the lack of adventure. The trip being so quick and straight to the point makes you miss out on the slow-paced travel which allows one to take a step back from the routine and get into that holiday mindset. Finally, taking flight schedule into consideration is of no less importance. Three daily flights, as of 26 September, 2019, are at:
07:30 - 08:25
12:15 - 13:10
15:55 - 16:45
As you can see the first flight is not too early nor too late making it a good choice as upon arrival you will have the whole day to explore. Yet, the last one is a bit too early in my opinion because you have to remember to get to the airport early to pass the security which means that after lunch you pretty much have to head to the airport. As well as, after arriving to the island and finishing check-ins at your place of stay, there will not be much left to do past the sunset apart having a dinner or going to a local bar.
Overall, coming by plane is great if you can afford it, however, instead of coming with the last flight I would suggest considering the ferry, but each to his own.
Key Points
Three daily departures: 07:30, 12:15 and 15:55
Flight duration: less than an hour
Ticket price: ~14,090 JPY (can get for as low as 10,890 JPY if the timing is right)
Service by: ANA
Note. Passengers should pass through security at least 20 minutes prior to departure, and come to the boarding gate at least 10 minutes prior to the departure time.
Leaving the Island
Those who cannot bear the thought of a long ferry ride have the option of three flights back and the previous points above hold true being a quick and a convenient way to go back to Tokyo, however, at the cost of a higher fare rate.
Instead of repeating myself, let us instead see what is different. At the bigger airports it is usually recommended to be at the place no later than 2 hours before the flight to complete all of the necessary procedures. Here, around 30 minutes before the flight usually suffice. The airport itself is rather small, compact and with a limited capacity so the check-in, luggage drop-off, and the security check can be all completed within 5-10 minutes, however, during the high season it is best to come ahead of time to avoid similarly minded people and avoid queues for the luggage drop-off (one hour before the departure is a good call). It is requested that the passengers pass through security at least 15 minutes prior to departure. If you have surplus time before passing through security you can also check out the souvenir shop, grab something to eat at the restaurant (08:00~17:00) or go to the information center to look through the booklets for the last time. If you are looking for a breeze, there is a balcony on the second floor which can be accessed by the stairs found on the left of the toilets.
Probably the only thing to heed for is the cancelled flights from Haneda to Hachijojima. Because the same plane that comes from Tokyo takes you back, so if the flight is cancelled over there, then your flight from Hachijojima to Haneda will automatically be cancelled due to no airplane availability. If you check the forecast beforehand and do not want to risk flight being cancelled you can always opt for the lovely ferry ride back. Flight status can be checked online at the ANA website.
At the end of the day, flying is a fast and a convenient way to return to Tokyo, and unlike other airports, 30 minutes before the flight is usually enough to complete all of the necessary procedures but beware of the cancelled flights and consider the ferry.
Key Points
Three daily departures: 09:00, 13:55, 17:25
Flight duration: less than an hour
Ticket price: ~14,090 JPY (can get for as low as 10,890 JPY if the timing is right)
Service by: ANA
Attention: care the cancelled flights from Tokyo
Safe travels!
Hachijojima101