Traveling Abroad

psychbabe314 · August 2014

I am going to be traveling to Japan in January, so I was wondering if anyone had any advice for traveling there? The cheapest airline is China Airlines, but Korea and Delta also have a possible flight (although $200 more!). Anyone traveled internationally with these airlines before?

thetimewillcome · August 2014

Are you traveling coach or business class?

I flew to South Korea on Delta, and then back to the US on Korean Air (twice). I had a layover in Tokyo. That airport is interesting (not in a bad way). Nothing like a US airport. However, I was flying for business so I was flying in business class. That being said, comparing the two, I preferred Delta. I felt like I had more room and I felt like they were a little more attentive. I think that might translate back to coach if that is what you are flying. The Korean Air wasn't bad, and if I hadn't flown Delta I would not have thought anything of it. EXCEPT: I had a Korean Air flight between cities in Korea. OMG I thought I was going to die. Flying does not scare me in the least, but this was the most terrifying flight I had ever been on. There was a really bad storm outside and the turbulence was horrible. In the US they would have cancelled or delayed that flight. That being said, I don't know if that can be attributed to Korean Air or just the country of Korea. In other words, I'm not sure that if I had been flying on Delta if they would have cancelled that flight or not.

I'm pretty sure it was the Japan airport that they have you line up in the middle of the walkway, rather than near the door. They then have you bring your carry on up to a table and they open it and check them. That's a little different than the US airports. (I'm pretty sure this was the Japan airport and not the Korea airport, but I could be confusing them). Honestly, I had no idea what they were saying, they don't repeat anything in English, so I was just sure I wasn't the first in line and then I watched what everyone else did and did that.

I didn't actually visit the country of Japan, just the airport so I have no advice on anything outside the airport.

Sorry about the novel.

[Deleted User] · August 2014

Korean Air is my favorite airline of all the international flights I've taken. I was comfortable, had stuff to watch, the food was good, and I got free booze. I'd definitely recommend it!

minskat30 · August 2014

Sorry, I've never flown China Airlines. I know would never fly Air India though (even though they are the only direct flight from Chicago to Dehli now and H and I go once a year). The crew seems to be always striking, the jets in ill form, etc.

psychbabe314 · August 2014

Great, I read up a little bit and apparently Japan air has the best ratings. I will definetly look into Korea though!

buddysmom80 · August 2014

We flew Delta from JFK to LHR and bought Economy Comfort seats. They didn't lie flat like business class but there was a ton more room and recline. We had free booze and movies. It was the first time I slept on a plane ever, so that tells you something. Please AW all the Japan stuff, FI and I would like to go there for a 5 year wedding anniversary down the road.

jenna8984 · August 2014

I'm pretty sure I was on United for my flight last year. Where will you be staying and doing over there? I totally loved Tokyo and Kyoto.

psychbabe314 · August 2014

@buddysmom80 - I definitely will! I can't wait to get there! FI will have been there for 6 months by January, so I should have internet set up when I arrive!

@jenna8984 - I will be flying into Fukuoka and then taking a train to Miyazaki... or at least that is the current plan! I think I saw a United flight, but if I remember correctly, it was partnered with ANA and there was a layover in Tokyo.

Speaking of which, China Air, which is the cheapest has a 17 hour layover in Tokyo! I think spending the extra money would be worth not having to wait for such a long time at the airport!!

jenna8984 · August 2014

Oh hell yes. I don't care the price difference, I'd never ever do a connection more than 5 hours. I haven't been down to that area you're going to, I'm sure you'll love it. Especially since your FI is already there and will have some of the language and restaurants and stuff. That will be awesome! I had a friend in Tokyo who showed me around and I would have been super screwed without her lol

psychbabe314 · August 2014

jenna8984 said:

Oh hell yes. I don't care the price difference, I'd never ever do a connection more than 5 hours. I haven't been down to that area you're going to, I'm sure you'll love it. Especially since your FI is already there and will have some of the language and restaurants and stuff. That will be awesome! I had a friend in Tokyo who showed me around and I would have been super screwed without her lol

Good to know :-) FI and I will probably discuss it, because such a long layover is not a pleasant thought :-)

buddysmom80 · August 2014

I would 100% pay more for a flight with the shortest amount of stops/layovers too. I just thought about that this morning and had to share.

psychbabe314 · August 2014

martha1818 said:

I think it also depends on how much time you have to "waste" on layovers. I unfortunately have very little vacation time so the trip to Asia I'm planning will probably include the more expensive flights as I will need the least amount of layovers as possible It's crazy how much time you lose!

Ya, it is true... someone else told me today to take the 17hr layover because then I'll have time to sleep and to explore Tokyo a bit... it is true that I won't know if/when I'll get the chance to see Tokyo again! It is so hard! Part of me wants to see Tokyo and the other half just wants to rush to Miyazaki to see FI!

psychbabe314 · August 2014

true :-)

jenna8984 · August 2014

Yea, that flight is sooooo long that you will just want to get to your final destination as soon as possible. FI and I were literally sick to our stomachs from the long flight, lack of sleep, lack of food, extreme time change. We left the US Tuesday at 7am, got to Tokyo Wednesday at 3pm and we just went to hotel and took sleeping pills for 15 hours because we felt so disoriented. I have traveled abroad before and never felt sick like that. I don't think you should do the layover, especially since the airport is 1 hour drive from the center of Tokyo so you'd have to take a cab for $200 to the city then you'd be lost just walking around alone. Seems like a terrible plan to be honest.

minskat30 · August 2014

Count me in the "don't do a layover" club for a flight that long. Don't expect your connecting flight to be on time either. The last time I came back from India was a prime example. Between getting to the airport, waiting for the flight (including a delay), flight time, anticipated layover in Paris, flight delays for flight leaving Paris, flight delay on tarmac (2 hours of hell), flight time again, getting through customs, driving to destination, etc. I was traveling for about a day and a half and was near tears at the end (hell, I admit it...I cried). Extra money is well worth a quicker flight.

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