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Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. We recommend you use Google Flights to find dates to fly, then book through an online travel agency such as Orbitz or Expedia, which allows you to cancel flights without penalty by 11pm Eastern Time within one day of booking. However, if you’re using The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll need to book directly with the airline or through the Amex Travel portal to get 5x MR points. Remember: Fares may disappear quickly, so book right away and take advantage of Orbitz or Expedia’s courtesy cancellation if you’re unable to get the time away from work or family.
If you’re wanting to experience one of TPG’s favorite destinations, now may be your chance. Flights to Tokyo are on sale from as low as $434 round-trip. Departures are available from the West Coast and Texas including Los Angeles (LAX), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), San Jose (SJC), Oakland (OAK), San Diego (SAN) and Portland (PDX) to both Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Tokyo Narita (NRT).
Flights are operated by US carriers like Hawaiian and American Airlines and Asian airlines like JAL, Xiamen and even Singapore, which operates a nonstop fifth freedom flight between LA and Tokyo Narita. The cheapest fares are on Xiamen, but availability is scattered — American operates some nonstops, but those will be a bit more expensive.
There are no tricks to find these fares. Use Google Flights to search for your preferred departure and destination and then book with an OTA like Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline.
Airlines: American, Hawaiian, JAL, Singapore, Xiamen
Routes: LAX/DEN/IAH/SJC/SAN/OAK/PDX to HND/NRT
Cost: $434+ round-trip in economy
Travel Dates: October through April 2019
Booking Link: Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline
Pay With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare), Citi ThankYou Premier Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare plus excellent trip delay insurance) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT) for $434 round-trip on Xiamen via Orbitz:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT) for $573 round-trip nonstop on American/JAL:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT) for $573 round-trip nonstop on Singapore:
Portland (PDX) to Tokyo (HND) for $573 round-trip on Hawaiian via Orbitz:
San Jose (SJC) to Tokyo (HND) for $588 round-trip on American:
Houston (IAH) to Tokyo (NRT) for $588 round-trip on American:
Denver (DEN) to Tokyo (NRT) for $588 round-trip on American:
Maximize Your Purchase
Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel), Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Premier Rewards Gold, Citi ThankYou Premier, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.
Source: thepointsguy.com