Questions about flying to Tokyo from London

May 26, 2004 4:12 AM

Questions about flying to Tokyo from London this summer (more inside)

My girlfriend wants to go to Tokyo at the very end of August. She's a bit confused about the plane fares though.

If we look for a flight, and type in the actual dates she's going (29 August - 12 September), the prices come out as like, £800 return (about $1500). However, if we type in a date that's like 2 weeks in the future, there's prices from about £350 (about $600) upwards.

Is this because the prices are cheaper the later you book? Or is it because prices are higher in the summer peak months?

What price did you pay for a long haul return trip to Tokyo?

Thanks

posted by derbs to travel & transportation (3 comments total)

Could you please tell me where you've found flights to Tokyo from £350? I'd love to take those, whatever the dates.

But you're trying to fly during peak holiday season, which is why it's more expensive.

You can find flights from London to Tokyo for around £500 + tax no matter what time you travel... but you won't be able to fly direct. Any number of sites from eBookers.com to DialAFlight.com have these offers.

I recommend Gendai.co.uk for good service on Japanese flights.

Incidentally check my previous thread for information on the weather in Tokyo for that period.
posted by skylar at 4:19 AM on May 26, 2004

Booking your flights two week in advance have usually always been cheaper. Now with the internet, last minute deals can be found.
posted by thomcatspike at 10:30 AM on May 26, 2004

Derbs: It TOTALLY depends on when she is going. Mid-to-late summer is a holiday season in Japan, so like golden week and christmas time, the prices go through the roof (sorry I dont have specific dates, and my coworkers arent being very helpful). I am from the U.S. west coast, so tickets are a bit cheaper for me, but mid-august is the peak for expensive travel. Its also one of the most miserable times to be in Tokyo (hotter than hell and terribly humid). If she has some flexibility in her schedule I would strongly recommend doing it through september: flights will be much cheaper and the weather will be slightly more agreeable.

Hope that helps.
posted by lkc at 7:36 PM on May 26, 2004