EU>JP>EU return flights are usually 1.5-2x cheaper than the opposite (JP>EU>JP), as from what I understand, JP market is ok to pay the premium. Well, I never liked those prices, so I plan return trips via EU>JP leg as a return ticket to Japan, and months later coming back to EU, and buying yet another return ticket to return to JP.
That was the case until today, as I was comparing prices – Paris>HND>Paris has doubled – from 70,000JPY to 150,000JPY. Across all airlines, regardless of schedule.
Now I understand the world’s economy going to shite, but didn’t expect such a rush. Anyone else booking/traveling from EU or other destinations to Japan, noticing similar price hikes?
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Use VPN and also use other international search engines. Might help.
Yes, this is the current situation. Many causes:
– Rising fuel prices
– High inflation in general
– Can’t fly through Russian airspace –> detour
– Still no/little tourism to Japan
– shenigans with airport staffing
– COVID is still a thing
The one thing working in the opposite direction is a weakening euro.
Prices are fucking stupid. I pay more for a flight to vancouver from “tokyo” now than I ever did in the last 10 years. Hell, I pay more for it than I ever did to “Toronto” in the same period.
Same to america, more or less.
Not only flights but also cargo. USA > Japan cargo is much more cheaper than Japan > USA.
ANA round-trip from Tokyo to Chicago (USA) in both September and December is 30man. It used to range from 11 to 15.
Welcome to the new state of things. International flights are now considered a luxury. As they should always have been really. ¥150k for a return to Paris really isn’t that expensive when you think about the costs involved.
I’ve been looking at London instead of Paris, but you’re not wrong. I also did the UK->Japan->UK tickets, but had my last return leg cancelled due to Covid. I used to pay around £1500 for a return ticket in Premium Economy upgraded to Business Class using points. That’s cheaper than I can get Economy now. I’m waiting until British Airways flies here again in the hope it will be cheaper.
The plains are less than half full going in to Japan. When I came back in April I was sleeping in a middle row by myself like I was in first class.
I have been tracking a ticket home for more than a year and the price never changed, and yes it was about double what it used to cost. In my case it’s not a thing affected by the current state of affairs as much as corona restrictions from waaaay back.
There’s a pilot shortage for USA at least, fuel, flying minimum planes to japan as necessary and profit gouging. It freaking sucks, I just need to do a quick trip back for medical stuff and now it’s like stupid to pay these prices.
Besides the economic and no-fly zone issues, it’s mainly due to inbound flights to Japan being half empty, so the airlines are passing the additional costs to service the route onto outbound passengers. Not going to change until Japan open up the borders.
Combine all that with increased seasonal demand for international flights, and you are going to pay *sky high* prices to GTFOH.
Not only have the costs doubled, the connection times have as well. Lots of sitting around in packed airports for hours on end.
Man, i wish i could take a flight for 150,000.
I have Always paid a minimum of 250,000. Now, we are up in the 300,000 range.
In may i bought ticket for Christmas to France, Air France and direct flight : 186000yen. First time buying such an expensive ticket but with covid and fewer paid holidays available, not being for a 2-3years, i wanted it to be quick and flexible.
Check the prices next week. Industry experts think that we’ll see some prices fall after 7/15 as the seat caps are raised which is the real reason the prices are high, they can’t fill up the planes.