First Class to Tokyo for $52.50
No, that’s not a typo. I flew First Class from Los Angeles to Tokyo for $52.50.
For those of you that have flown First Class domestic and think that the only difference between coach and First Class is a wider seat, let me paint a picture for you.
When you fly International First Class, your experience begins at the First Class check-in desk at the airport. You’ve probably seen it before. It’s the one without a line. You will also have access to the priority security line. Yes, that’s the really short one. Once you’re past security, you can relax before your flight in the airline lounge… with free snacks, free drinks, free computer access, comfy lounge chairs… and if you’re overseas, there’s often showers and a spa as well. When you board the plane and turn to your left, you will find your huge, comfy seat that also turns into a lay flat bed, complete with blankets, pillows, and a full amenity kit with socks, toothbrush, eye-mask, etc… everything you need for when you’re ready to sleep. In the meantime, you can watch TV and movies on your private swivel video screen as you’re plied with free appetizers, wine, dinner, cocktails, desserts, soda pop and snacks for the duration of your flight, starting with a glass of champagne right after boarding the plane.
HOW DID I DO IT?
I’d love to tell you I have Jedi mind powers that I use on reservation agents when booking flights or that if you book flights at exactly 12:01 am PST on the third Wednesday of every month that has 31 days that you will receive insane discounts on your airfare, but if I did, I’d be lying.
Lucky for you, the truth is much simpler, although no less exciting. I used FF miles to get a free award flight.
I know I told you right there in the header that this flight cost $52.50, so you should know that’s for the taxes. I know what you’re thinking. Algis, it’s “free” but I still have to pay taxes? Oh, the horror. I know. I understand. Needless to say, you pay taxes every time you purchase a full fare ticket as well. Shocking, isn’t it?
Well, there’s no turning back now. I’ve just given you the red pill and you took it. Now you see the FF award matrix as it really is. Yes, it’s true, some things are unavoidable and taxes are one of them. Thus, free flights, still have taxes attached, but it’s a hell of a lot better than paying full fare PLUS taxes, right?
Think of it this way. An economy ticket to Japan costs anywhere from $750 to $1200. Economy. Just getting to fly Economy Class for $52.50 would be a steal! Between food and checked baggage fees, the average person probably spends at least $52.50 before they even get through security. But I digress…
As I said above, I redeemed my FF miles to get a free award flight. I used 125,000 American Airlines FF miles and, as stated above, $52.50 in taxes, to fly First Class (round trip) to one of my favorite cities in the world, Tokyo. But I didn’t go alone. I brought my girlfriend, who also redeemed her miles to get a free First Class award seat.
Normally, two round trip First Class Intl. seats from L.A. to Tokyo, would cost anywhere from $10,000-$15,000. But this ridiculous, amazing, luxurious flight only cost the two of us a grand total of $105 (and 250k FF miles).
Okay, if this doesn’t completely blow your mind, then you should stop reading this immediately and continue complaining that you don’t have enough money to travel. Seriously. You’ve probably spent more than that on dinner and a movie. I got dinner and a movie too… plus a First Class trip to Japan.
Let me be clear, this is not some crazy impossible, super-secret thing I did. Anyone can do it. Yes, I’m talking to you.
You could be on your way to Tokyo right now in First Class, sipping champagne, and wearing little booties and pajamas (well, not mine, they’ll give you your own). It could be you, eating a hot fudge sundae, only hours away from eating the world’s best sushi, checking out the crazy night clubs of Roppongi, looking at robots, buying Hello Kitty stuff… whatever!
Or, you could be on your way to Fiji to lounge on the beach drinking Mai Tais or off to Paris to see the Mona Lisa in person, or to Australia to dive the Great Barrier Reef. This is a “choose your own adventure” game… but with a nice plane ride thrown in. I mean a really nice plane ride. —And for way less than what you’d pay just to be sitting in coach.
HOW CAN YOU DO IT?
For those of you who don’t know much about FF miles, they might not seem so exciting on their own, but when you realize the incredible opportunities they can afford you (did I say afford?)… it’s easy to get addicted.
Instead of spending $100, or more, on a restaurant meal next Friday, why not save that money, earn some FF miles and go experience another country?
And hey, flying First or Business Class is fantastic. I love to travel that way. I’m here to show you what’s possible and ultimately, it’s about getting you where you want to go. Only want to spend 50K miles and fly international economy instead? That’s fine, as long as you go. Just go.
What? You’re ready to spend your dinner money on a trip but you don’t have FF miles? No problem. My book lays out how you can do all this stuff quickly and easily. Pick up a copy here and get started on your super, ridiculous, awesome adventure as soon as possible.
