Tokyo to London: Picking the Perfect Airline for Your Transcontinental Flight

Tokyo to London: Picking the Perfect Airline for Your Transcontinental Flight - Comparing Costs Across Airlines

When booking a transcontinental flight from Tokyo to London, cost will likely be a major factor in your decision making process. Comparing prices across different airlines is essential to finding the best deal. Focus first on searching major carriers like British Airways, ANA, JAL and United. Dig into the fine print to understand what is included in the base fare - things like seat selection, checked bags, in-flight meals and onboard entertainment can add up quickly.

While budget airlines like Norwegian Air may seem attractive with their rock bottom fares, you’ll pay extra for almost everything beyond a seat on the plane. Do the math to calculate potential fees for bags, seat assignments, food, etc. Some ultra low-cost carriers like Peach Aviation charge passengers for water! Read recent customer reviews to get a sense of the true onboard experience.
Consider rewards programs and loyalty benefits when comparing costs. Frequent flyer status or cobranded credit cards may offer perks like free checked bags, premium cabin upgrades and lounge access. Crunch the numbers to see if the higher fare on your preferred airline makes sense long term.

Don’t forget to factor in taxes, fees and surcharges which can vary widely. Certain airlines like British Airways are notorious for fuel surcharges on award tickets. Make sure to take the total price including all add-ons into account.

What else is in this post?

1. Tokyo to London: Picking the Perfect Airline for Your Transcontinental Flight - Comparing Costs Across Airlines
2. Tokyo to London: Picking the Perfect Airline for Your Transcontinental Flight - Factors Beyond Ticket Price to Consider
3. Tokyo to London: Picking the Perfect Airline for Your Transcontinental Flight - Finding the Best Loyalty Program Benefits
4. Tokyo to London: Picking the Perfect Airline for Your Transcontinental Flight - Getting the Most Legroom and Amenities

Tokyo to London: Picking the Perfect Airline for Your Transcontinental Flight - Factors Beyond Ticket Price to Consider

When booking a transcontinental flight, the base ticket price is just one part of the equation. Savvy travelers must also weigh a variety of other factors to ensure they get the best overall value.

In-Flight Amenities
Beyond the core transportation, the onboard experience can make a significant difference. Look closely at what's included in each airline's base fare. Some may offer complimentary meals, beverages, and entertainment, while others charge extra for these perks. Considering your in-flight needs and preferences can help justify a slightly higher ticket price for an airline with superior amenities.
Loyalty Programs
Frequent flyer status and credit card partnerships can unlock valuable benefits. Priority boarding, lounge access, free checked bags, and upgrade eligibility are just a few of the perks that loyal customers may enjoy. Calculate the potential value of these extras to see if the higher base fare on your preferred airline is worthwhile long-term.
Departure and Arrival Times
The timing of your flight can impact both the total travel duration and your overall convenience. Early morning or late-night departures may save you money, but the inconvenient schedule could mean arriving at your destination late at night or requiring an extra hotel night. Carefully consider how the flight times align with your needs and preferences.
Layover Length and Airport Changes
While nonstop flights are often preferable, one-stop itineraries can sometimes offer substantial savings. However, be mindful of lengthy layovers or the need to change airports, which can add significant time and hassle to your journey. Factor in the opportunity cost of lost productivity or sightseeing time when evaluating these types of routings.
Baggage Allowance
Budget airlines are notorious for nickel-and-diming passengers on baggage fees. Understand each carrier's policies around carry-on and checked luggage, and calculate the potential add-on costs. In some cases, the savings on the base fare may be offset by baggage fees, making a more generous policy worth the slightly higher ticket price.

Tokyo to London: Picking the Perfect Airline for Your Transcontinental Flight - Finding the Best Loyalty Program Benefits

Earning and redeeming miles or points can make a significant difference in your overall travel costs. However, navigating the complex world of airline and hotel loyalty programs can be daunting. The key is identifying the right programs that align with your travel patterns and preferences.
Start by evaluating your typical travel destinations and preferred airlines or hotel chains. Many programs offer bonus miles or points for flights and stays within their network. Joining the loyalty program of your go-to airline or hotel brand can unlock valuable perks like priority boarding, room upgrades, and late checkouts.
But don't limit yourself to a single program. Diversifying your loyalty portfolio can maximize your earning potential. Look for transferable points currencies like Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards, which allow you to pool points and transfer them to a variety of airline and hotel partners.
Pay close attention to each program's award charts and redemption rates. Some programs offer outsized value for certain routes or cabin classes. Carefully weighing your options can reveal sweet spots where your points stretch further.
Elite status is another crucial consideration. Higher tiers unlock increasingly valuable benefits like lounge access, waived fees, and enhanced earning rates. Strategize your spending and travel patterns to achieve and maintain elite status, which can transform your travel experience.
Don't forget to explore credit card partnerships and promotions. Many co-branded cards come with generous sign-up bonuses, category spending bonuses, and other perks. Combining these card benefits with your loyalty program membership can supercharge your points accumulation.

Tokyo to London: Picking the Perfect Airline for Your Transcontinental Flight - Getting the Most Legroom and Amenities

If you want to stretch your legs across the ocean, focus on airlines and specific aircraft types that offer extra legroom in economy. For flights between Tokyo and London, look at ANA's Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which have industry-leading economy seat pitch around 33 inches. British Airways' Airbus A350s also provide a couple extra inches of legroom versus older planes like the Boeing 777.

Within economy, premium seats with extra legroom are absolutely worth the upcharge. Bulkhead rows and emergency exit rows offer the most spacious seating, though early check-in and pre-assigning seats is essential to snag these prime spots. Airlines also sell Economy Plus-type offerings for a fee; on United flights, these seats boast up to 5 inches more legroom than regular economy.
For the ultimate legroom, book a Premium Economy ticket. Seats are much wider and have 38 inches or more of pitch. This cabin class typically comes with extra amenities like enhanced meals, premium alcohol, and an increased baggage allowance. Though more expensive than regular economy, Premium Economy can be a solid value for transcontinental flights.
If your budget allows, treat yourself to the legroom and luxury of Business Class on your Tokyo to London journey. Lie-flat seating and direct aisle access provide the ability to stretch out and move around freely. Business Class passengers also enjoy premium dining, ample drink service, amenity kits, and priority services throughout their trip. Though fares are higher, look for discounted Business Class rates or use miles to experience this elevated level of comfort.