Japan Flights - Early December

acinod on 06/06/2015 - 14:44

We are a couple planning to go to Japan from Dec 1st - 17th. We can only go on these dates so would like to lock them in ASAP.

We will be departing from Melbourne but also need to be in Sydney on the afternoon of the 18th. If we do return to Melbourne first, we can fly to Sydney for free.

We missed the Jetstar 2-for-1 Japan sale earlier this year for $550 return. Last month, Jetstar had a birthday sale for around $800 but we decided to keep waiting for a better sale. However, ticket prices are a lot higher now and we are worried we might not even get a good flight for our dates anymore. Qantas currently has a sale that ends June 8th though so we are currently considering them.

Here are the options we are considering:

  1. Jetstar
    Depart Melbourne 01 Dec 1:15AM, arrive Tokyo 01 Dec 9:05AM.
    Depart Tokyo 17 Dec 8:10PM, arrive Sydney 18 Dec 10:40AM (2 hour stopover at Brisbane)
    Price (including 20kg luggage) = $964.67 per person

  2. Qantas
    Depart Melbourne 30 Nov 8:05AM, arrive Tokyo 30 Nov 7:30PM (2 hour stopover at Brisbane)
    Depart Tokyo 17 Dec 8:55PM, arrive Sydney 18 Dec 11:00AM (1.5 hour stopover at Brisbane)
    Price = $948.65 per person

  3. Wait for another deal in the future.

Currently, Qantas' deal is a lot better than Jetstar. Not only do we get 4 meals, we also get better luggage options and overall a much better flight (also Frequent Flier Points). However, this deal is only until Monday 8th June.

What's holding us back is that Jetstar might have another sale in the future. However, waiting for this is risky, not only because the price might go up, but also because the good flights might sell out. For example, there use to be a Jetstar flight departing Melbourne at 11:50PM and arriving at Tokyo at 8:05AM the next day. However, that flight is no longer there and the closest flight to that departs Melbourne at 1:15AM and arrives in Tokyo at 9:05AM. I would have much preferred the earlier one which I'm guessing has sold out.

So should I book the Qantas flights now. Or should I wait for another Jetstar or Qantas flight in the future.

Travel

Comments

  • gooddealmate on 06/06/2015 - 15:24

    I'm getting around $844 including checked luggage pp. Based on Jetstar (with Zuji) from Cairns direct flights to Tokyo. 1st to 17th and Virgin Australia for the domestics.

    Short stopover of an hour or 2 both ways.

  • Sweet3st on 06/06/2015 - 18:02

    I'd probably book with Qantas if I couldn't be flexible with the dates. I'm heading over to Osaka mid November with Jetstar, but my plans are flexible… Jetstar is notorious for cancelling/changing flights. See http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/2344363.

  • acinod on 07/06/2015 - 01:11

    I'm just worried that if I go with Qantas now, Jetstar might have another Japan deal soon. But even if they do have a deal and it was say $800 including baggage, is the $150 difference that much of a difference when you factor in everything else Qantas has over Jetstar?

  • Sweet3st on 07/06/2015 - 10:40

    If you wanted Jetstar sale fares, you should really have bought in their recent sale. They will probably have another Japan sale, but not for a couple of months, and who knows if that will include the flights you want? The Qantas sale fares are a good deal IMO and flying with a full service carrier always a better experience. I bought Jetstar in the recent sale and got good prices, but I wish now I'd waited for the Qantas deal.

  • gooddealmate on 07/06/2015 - 11:55

    Jetstar had a 2 for 1 sale in July last year(not sure about the travel period), so it is likely they would have another.. Whether the dates would cover when you want to travel being close to peak travelling period.. well thats a gamble I probably wouldn't want to risk.

  • acinod on 08/06/2015 - 10:18

    Hmm OK Qantas flights look a lot more tempting now. I noticed that if I pay online, I will incur a credit card fee, is there a way to make payment without this fee?

    Also is it likely Qantas will have another deal for Japan soon? This deal seems like quite a small deal since I don't really see it being advertised much.

  • Sweet3st on 08/06/2015 - 14:18

    Google is your friend. http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/payment-options/au/…

    Qantas current sale fares are good, doubt you'll do better with this airline. Really, you're leaving in 6 months, and can't be flexible about your dates. How much do you want to go? There may be future sales, but the prices don't get cheaper, unless you score a 2 for 1 deal with Jetstar. As previously pointed out, you're going at a popular time.

  • acinod on 09/06/2015 - 00:11

    Decided to go with Qantas in the end. Sale just ended so flights have gone back up by $140. Let's hope Jetstar doesn't pull another 2-for-1 deal with my dates included soon!

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