Trips to Tokyo can have wildy different airfares depending on when/where you're travelling. I travel overseas to Europe and Asia a fair amount and wanted to start this thread to advertise good airfares if you find them online. I also contribute to Seatguru.com.
I'll start off.
I bought a roundtrip Executive First class ticket from Orlando (MCO) to Tokyo (NRT) on Air Canada connecting in Toronto (YYZ) (you do not have to pass through customs) for $3400. Depart 11/15, return 11/23. The YYZ to NRT segment is on a 777 with lie flat single seat sleeping pods (similar to Virgin Atlantic) all with direct aisle access and 2 to 3 windows per seat. This ticket is usually 7 to 9K on US carriers. YYZ is less congested than many east coast hubs and this flight leaves on time greater than 90% of the time.
I checked and this non-advertised fare is also available from other US cities without nonstop service to NRT such as Boston and Miami. Air Canada's coach fares are around $900 RT (similar to US carriers) so there is less advantage.
Another alternative for those who love flying on Singapore airlines is this carrier's nonstop LAX to NRT service on a 747-400. I priced the business class seat for this itinerary and it is $4200. Getting to LAX would be an additional charge.
Another BIG plus about both of these fares....they are REFUNDABLE (less $200 admin fee). This is the biggest difference between discounted business class on US carriers and Asian/Canadian carriers. And, the refund is back to your credit card, not a credit for a future flight of the same value.
You will be spending over 15 hours in that seat, not counting your connecting flight. If you can upgrade to a business class seat with miles or can splurge just this once, I would highly recommend it.
Wei-Shen
I'll start off.
I bought a roundtrip Executive First class ticket from Orlando (MCO) to Tokyo (NRT) on Air Canada connecting in Toronto (YYZ) (you do not have to pass through customs) for $3400. Depart 11/15, return 11/23. The YYZ to NRT segment is on a 777 with lie flat single seat sleeping pods (similar to Virgin Atlantic) all with direct aisle access and 2 to 3 windows per seat. This ticket is usually 7 to 9K on US carriers. YYZ is less congested than many east coast hubs and this flight leaves on time greater than 90% of the time.
I checked and this non-advertised fare is also available from other US cities without nonstop service to NRT such as Boston and Miami. Air Canada's coach fares are around $900 RT (similar to US carriers) so there is less advantage.
Another alternative for those who love flying on Singapore airlines is this carrier's nonstop LAX to NRT service on a 747-400. I priced the business class seat for this itinerary and it is $4200. Getting to LAX would be an additional charge.
Another BIG plus about both of these fares....they are REFUNDABLE (less $200 admin fee). This is the biggest difference between discounted business class on US carriers and Asian/Canadian carriers. And, the refund is back to your credit card, not a credit for a future flight of the same value.
You will be spending over 15 hours in that seat, not counting your connecting flight. If you can upgrade to a business class seat with miles or can splurge just this once, I would highly recommend it.
Wei-Shen
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