Flights to Tokyo – the comfortable and cost-effective way to fly to Tokyo

Having done my fair share of flying around the globe for a number of years – whether it is for school, work or leisure – I can say with some certainty that the flight company and their staff can make or break your trip. It makes sense because after all, it is the start and end of any trip that you take traveling by air, right? Here are some tips that will hopefully make your journey to Tokyo in the air more pleasant (i.e. more bearable for those who do not enjoy flying).

It doesn’t have to be an awful experience when you hear:

“JAL 0900 and 0800 Flights Tokyo. Tokyo to Hong Kong passengers please proceed to gate number 6”.

1. Do your research on the internet and price compare

Depending on where you fly from, the flight to Tokyo will cost you differently from different airlines (e.g. if you’re flying from City X it will be cheaper to go with Company 1. But if you’re flying from City Y the more cost-effective it will be to fly with Company 2). My experience has been to go with the Japanese airlines instead of the American or European airlines, if you look at it purely from a cost stand point. Also, take into account that some airlines will charge you for food, beverages and alcohol. This will add to your cost (and discomfort if you decide to not pay for them), so be sure to check this out before purchasing your ticket. With the Japanese airlines, I haven’t had this problem yet.

You can also check out some last-minute deals on the internet. I’ve been lucky enough to find a flight to Tokyo from Northwest airlines a few years ago, one day prior to my flying out. Even with the cancellation fees of my original ticket taken into account, I was still able to save a few hundred US dollars because the flight was SO cheap. So don’t be afraid to browse through some last-minute deals, even if you have bought your ticket already.

2. Speak some basic Japanese with the flight attendants

Back in high school I studied a little bit of Japanese, so I thought I would practice it with the flight attendants last time when I was on a connecting flight from Tokyo going to Hong Kong. It had been a while since I last spoke any Japanese, so all I could remember were some really basic phrases like “thank you for your troubles” and “excuse me, can I have some water please?” When the flight attendants heard me try to speak Japanese, they were a little shocked and giggled, asking me where I learned it. After this exchange, my flight experience was noticeably different as they were more inclined to assist me, even after the plane has landed. Whether it was getting an extra blanket or getting help in filling out some immigration, it was better to have the flight attendants on your side. So learn some basic Japanese; it is easy, and will make your experience during flights to Tokyo that much better.

“thank you for your troubles” = “domo sumimasen deshita” (used when they hand you something, or assist you in any way)

“excuse me, can I have some water please?” = “sumimasen, mizu o kuda sai”

Next time you hear this announcement over the PA system, hopefully you will have a more pleasant experience.

“JAL 0900 Flights Tokyo. Tokyo to Hong Kong passengers please proceed to gate number 6”.