Sorry, but I don’t really have a list of “go to” sites that I use for flights to Tokyo.  The last two time I flew, I used miles.  What I can tell you is that from LA to Tokyo you can get deals for less than $1,000.  Add in your connecting flight and you’ll be at about $1,300.  Yes, you can get them cheaper, and yes, there are times when it’s more expensive.  But I think $1,300 is the most I’ve ever paid and I usually expect to pay $900 to $1,300 for a ticket from the US.

Scott’s Cheap Flights

Scott’s Cheap Flights is a service that emails you deals on flights.  The prices are very low, but with things like this you have to have some flexibility about your schedule.  I found a flight from LA to Tokyo on ANA for $596, which is insane.

LA to Tokyo rt for $596.	To Osaka from multiple cities for $471.

My Experience with the Airlines

You have the low cost carriers from China and Korean Airlines who compete on this route (West Coast at least).  I really don’t have any experience with them, but I haven’t heard anything terribly bad.  Their prices are usually not that much cheaper so I haven’t really been compelled to take the chance.

The mid-range carriers are the US carriers like United and American.  I usually settle here since I know them and they are usually only $100 more than the above.  US airlines are now mostly budget airlines so don’t expect much in the way of food or service, but their apps are usually pretty convenient.

The best experiences I’ve had are with Japan Airlines and ANA, and it’s not even close.  I can’t really justify the higher cost, which is sometimes $400 or more, but when the price drops or if there’s a codeshare, I jump on it.  That’s what makes the $596 ticket an amazing deal.

One last thing…

If you’re doing a long layover at a major airport, you should consider getting a one-day pass to one of the airline clubs.  You get free food, free alcohol, showers, power ports, lounges, and comfortable/safe places to rest.  The regular price is $59 for a one-time entry but you can get them on eBay for as low as $20 each.  If you’re going to be spending $20 on food during the layover anyway, put it towards the club instead.

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