The two SkyTeam members Air France and KLM are currently selling cheap tickets for flights from various Spanish airports, as well as Milan, to Tokyo. Prices start at €361. Unfortunately, this fare does not include any checked bags but only a carry-on, and one personal item. If you want to add additional luggage, you can do so during the booking process. This will cost you an extra €80 for the entire trip. Only SkyTeam status holders will get a free piece of luggage.
Air France and KLM will give you a full refund if you book a flight that takes place within this year. If you cannot travel (or simply don’t wish to fly) – therefore this is quite risk-free despite the rather short-term availability.
There’s availability until March 2022. However, you cannot fly between December 19 and December 30.
You can depart from the following cities:
Your trip will include a layover in Amsterdam or Paris, depending on the carrier you chose. Both airlines will operate a Boeing 777 on most of their long-haul flights.
We expect further shakeups in the airline industry over the following months. Some services might be cancelled, aircraft changed or downgraded. The schedule we describe may very well change.
Search & Book
According to the fare rules, the deal should be available until August 15, 2021 for flights before March 31, 2022. Furthermore, you need to respect a minimum stay requirement of 4 days (or a Sunday). You cannot fly between December 19 and December 30.
You will be able to find this fare on Google Flights (instructions). Especially if you’re going to add luggage, we would recommend booking directly on KLM‘s or Air France‘s website. The absolutely best option is using our form above, which will redirect you to KLM’s booking site.
Why is booking with an airline better than with an online travel agency?
More often than not, online travel agencies offer lower fares than airlines do. We still recommend booking with the airlines directly. There are two main reasons for that:
Better Customer Service
In case any problems like delays, cancellations or missed connections arise, you can communicate directly with the airline. The airline has to take care of you because you have a contract with them.
If a travel agency issues your ticket, you may have to reach out to them first. You also depend on your OTA to forward information like flight changes instead of receiving them directly from the airline. In many cases, you may get a prime exhibition of responsibility shifting rather than problem-solving.
This especially applies to premium tickets. You don’t want to spend more than €1,000 to wind up with some budget OTA’s telephone hotline in case anything goes wrong.
Baggage and Other Fees
Economy fares not including hold luggage are industry standard by now. In most cases, travel agencies charge much higher baggage fees than the airlines themselves. If bags are not included in your fare, airlines are often the cheaper alternative.
This also applies to other things like food services, insurances or priority treatment. In almost all cases, you pay less for additional amenities when booking on the airlines’ website.
Mileage
Tickets for flights within Europe will be issued in booking class L, while the long-haul segments will be in booking class X. Here’s an example of what to expect if you depart from Bilbao, flying with Air France via Paris:
- 3,912 Miles on CSA OK Plus
- 3,490 Miles on MEA Cedar Miles
- 3,490 RDM + 746 MQD on Delta SkyMiles
- 2,912 Miles on Aerolíneas Argentinas AerolíneasPlus
- 2,886 Miles on Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles
- 2,886 Points on Malaysia Airlines Enrich
- 2,886 Miles on Korean Air Skypass
- 2,648 Award Miles on Etihad Guest
- 1,136 Award Miles + 34 XP on Flying Blue
- 1,000 Miles on Aeromexico Club Premier
- 1,000 Miles on Saudia Alfursan
- 600 Award Miles + 20 Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- 500 Miles on GOL Aéreos Smiles
- 500 Miles on ITA Volare
- 474 Miles on Garuda Indonesia GarudaMiles
- 474 Miles on Air Europa Suma
- 474 Award Miles on Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
The best program for these flights is Delta SkyMiles. Not only will you get the highest number of award miles, but will also get roughly 13,000 MQMs (status miles).
Information & Tips for Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis as well as one of Japan’s 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple cities, towns, and villages west of the city center.
Today, Tokyo offers a great choice of shopping, entertainment, and culture to its visitors. The city’s history can be appreciated in many excellent museums, historic temples, and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers many attractive green spaces in the city center.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Tokyo at any time of year because of its moderate weather. However, the best times to visit Tokyo are from September to November and March to May. Summer in Tokyo is hot and humid and should be avoided.
Although winter in Tokyo is cold, it is not too cold for travel.
Three attractions in Tokyo
- Tsukiji Outer Market
A market for fresh seafood. A very vibrant place with lots to see (and smell). - Akihabara
District for electronic and otaku goods. What one might have in mind when thinking of Tokyo. Newest gadgets to be found. - Koishikawa Korakuen
Landscape garden next to Tokyo Dome. An oasis of calm in the middle of a bustling city.
Airports Narita & Haneda
The Tokyo Metropolitan Region has two international airports: Narita and Haneda. Narita is the airport where most flights from Europe will arrive. Tokyo-Narita is located 55 kilometers east of Tokyo city center and is served by the Narita Express. The journey time between the city center and the airport is approximately one hour.
Only a few international airlines fly to Haneda. From Haneda, which is south of the city center, it is much easier to get to Tokyo city center. The JR Tokyo Monorail System takes you to Hamamatsucho Station, which is not far from Tokyo Station.
→ All Dealz for Tokyo