Travellers looking to fly from Vancouver to Tokyo, Japan this fall can still score tickets that cost hundreds less than average prices.
Trips to the Land of the Rising Sun have seen sustained low-cost prices thanks to a new route from Japan's self-described "basic" airline.
Zipair, which is owned by Japan Airlines (JAL), launched from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on March 13, providing the cheapest non-stop flight between the region and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT).
Before it launched, tickets were nearly sold out on many dates in March and April, and the lower-fare classes were no longer available on popular dates through the summer.
The airline added more flights following the surge in ticket sales. It currently offers thrice-weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Zipair will ramp service up to five flights weekly with additional flights on Tuesdays and Fridays.
When to get low-cost tickets from Vancouver to Japan with Zipair
Prices remain elevated through the summer, with the cheapest one-way flights from Vancouver to Japan starting at over $600. In September, prices drop about $100 on the popular route, starting at just over $500, and down an additional $50 in October, with several options around $450.
For example, a flight departing Vancouver for Japan on Wednesday, Oct. 23 costs $451 (see slide two). Tickets should be booked separately but directly with Zipair to score the lowest price.
According to Google Flights, this price is considered "low" for economy with similar trips typically costing around $90 more (see slide three).
Round-trip flight options cost significantly more through July and August, with tickets costing between $1,500 and $2,000. Prices drop in September and October, with tickets costing around $1,000.
A flight departing Vancouver on Friday, Sept. 20 and returning from Japan on Wednesday, Sept. 25 costs $1,037 (see slide four). Similar to the one-way option, tickets must be booked separately but directly with Zipair to score the best price.
According to Google Flights, this price is considered "low" for economy with similar trips typically costing around $1,197 more (see slide six).
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