There’s a fare war to Tokyo going on from a variety of U.S. cities, and roundtrip fares start at just $198 roundtrip for Cleveland – Tokyo. Other great fares in the $200 – $250 range are available from Fort Lauderdale and Miami; St. Louis; Raleigh; Washington D.C.; Philadelphia; Dallas Fort-Worth; Charlotte; and Phoenix – and probably others. These fares aren’t going to last long.
Out of Philadelphia and other American hubs, for instance, you’ll find this available on United.
Here’s details on American Airlines fare OLW80EZ1 which is $42 each way plus taxes:
- Weekend basic economy fare
- Departures from the U.S. are available Thursday – Saturday, flights back to the U.S. are available Saturday – Monday
- This is valid for U.S. departures September 8 – December 1, December 25 – January 1, and January 7 – April 30
- For return flights, valid dates are September 16 – December 28, January 22 – April 21, and April 29 – May 26 (but right now you won’t be able to book anything past mid-March)
- 28 day advance purchase required, which isn’t a separate constraint because the earliest travel date is in September
- Non-changeable
Night View Of Tokyo
Even though this is basic economy, I’d note that elite benefits now apply on American Airlines basic economy fares. I’ve even helped a few folks to get confirmed upgrades with their systemwide upgrades on these sorts of fares. A lot of Executive Platinum members have upgrades that were extended to July 2021 and those just have to be used by (confirmed) then and are permitted for travel dates into the future.
Yellow Uni at Sushi Masuda
I’d focus on early 2022, recognizing that the first quarter isn’t peak season but gives you the best chance for Japan to be re-opened to tourism. American is no longer offering flexibility on basic economy fares, but United is waiving change fees on such fares still through April 30.
Something tells me they might as well be offering flights to the moon for $198 round-trip in October for all the chance anyone will be able to go to Tokyo. Given the abject failure of their vaccination program, I’d say a lot longer than the window of these fares.
Gary yesterday: “Don’t Buy Airline Tickets Too Far In Advance Right Now”
Gary today: “Buy speculative ticket for travel in early 2022 to a country with mostly closed borders and little progress on vaccination.””
I booked for the very farthest out in March at $251 RT refundable. I’ll take a $250 chance, but I am not booking the position flight, hotels, etc until Japan is officially open with requirements I like.
Looking into Feb and March 2022 I notice the flights through ORD ($250-ish range) are on ANA, and offer 34″ pitch in coach. Flights leave US mid-morning and arrive in Tokyo mid-afternoon (albeit a loooooong day). Not too bad a way to travel if you have to go coach.
I put two on hold with American, will discuss with partner on viability tomorrow.
Thanks for sharing!
I appreciate the heads up, Gary!
Earlier this week, Japan’s government & Pfizer announced they reached an agreement for additional doses of Covid19 vaccines to cover country’s population of 126 million by the end of September (which is five months earlier than the previous schedule of February, 2022 prior to the new agreement with Pfizer).
Whether this allows for an opening of Japan’s borders this fall instead of next year is yet to be known?
The government has already announced that the Tokyo Summer Olympics, which begin July 23rd (assuming they’re not canceled), will be closed to foreign spectators.
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/04/647eedf03664-japan-to-procure-enough-covid-vaccines-for-all-eligible-by-end-sept.html
This would be interesting if Japan would let vaccinated people in.
Not directly applicable to the fare, but it’s worth noting that Sushi Masuda sadly closed about 18 months ago. I believe he decamped for Taiwan?
@Gary: Isthere anything similar on business class? I could not find it.
For an extra $80 or so you can get regular economy on AA that is changeable.
@TheRealBob – yesterday I wrote that airfares were too high booked far out in most cases, especially for domestic around the holidays. today I wrote that there’s a great fare that’s available pretty much through end of schedule. there’s nothing inconsistent about that.
too bad nobody can actually fly there now and there is zero indication when that will change. and i’m pretty certain gary will not fly there in economy…
Japan is experiencing a covid surge. Only a fool would be spending money on tickets for the fall. They already said they won’t allow tourists in during the Olympics in August and that was prior to the latest surge so why do people think September is a good idea? Japan is not one of those countries that is going to suddenly throw its doors open to the world. The way things are looking people may not be able to get into japan for tourism until 2022.
The deal is there take it or leave it but for Gods sake stop complaining! And thank the bloggers for a heads up.
@gary leff
Do you think it’s possible to upgrade these flights using a special upgrade code given to Alaska mvp 75k recently? I seem to remember basic economy not being allowed to upgrade
Thanks for the heads up! Got two flights: NYE and my birthday … $280 each.
Now they are going for $1600 each
I don’t think early 2022 booking is wise, Gary. It often snows in Tokyo then- Tokyo has the same weather as NYC in January and February.