Houston residents will have a new option to Tokyo when budget airline Zipair launches new flights for as low as $333 one way beginning next March. Zipair, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, will connect Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport and Tokyo’s Narita Airport four-days-a-week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from March 4, 2025, the airport announced Wednesday. The nearly 14-hour flights will be on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with 18 lie-flat business class seats and 272 economy seats. The under-$400 fare comes as a big savings compared to other airlines on the Houston-Tokyo route. All Nippon Airways (ANA) and United Airlines both offer daily flights with airfares starting at $595 one way for a basic, no-frills ticket next March. Prices climb quickly after that. “We look forward to welcoming new and seasoned travelers to take advantage of our fully customizable travel experience, including complimentary Wi-Fi service” Shingo Nishida, President of ZipairTokyo, said in the announcement. The promotional $333 fare is available for sale on ZIPAIR’s website through Nov. 30.
Alaska Airlines' Credit Card Has a 70,000 Mile Credit Card Sign-up Bonus Right Now — Plus, a Companion Fare
09.10.2024 - 07:43 / travelandleisure.com
One of the best airline credit cards just got a new and improved offer for new applicants.
“Turn everyday purchases into extraordinary experiences,” the airline shared in an email. “Visit your dream destination with the Alaska Airlines Visa® card.”
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card is considered one of the better airline credit cards for travelers. Now, the introductory sign-up bonus offers a trifecta of rewards: 70,000 bonus miles, a 50% flight discount code, and Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare. (There is also a $95 annual fee.)
To qualify for this offer, new cardholders must spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of opening their account. The Alaska companion ticket enables travelers to purchase a second round-trip ticket to virtually any destination within the airline's network for approximately $120, including taxes and fees.
This card is a strong performer for both travel and everyday spending, offering 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases, 2x miles on gas, cable, streaming services, and local transit, and 1x miles on all other purchases. With the recent approval of the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, it's an even better time to earn miles, as members can now seamlessly transfer rewards between the two loyalty programs.
This new card offer also comes as Alaska just launched another limited-time promotion to help targeted travelers buy miles with up to a 60 percent bonus. This sale ends on Thursday, Oct. 31, bringing down the cost of each mile to just 1.85 cents apiece.
Alaska’s frequent flier program is highly regarded as redemptions are available on a wide range of partner airlines, such as Japan Airlines and Qantas. Those who haven’t joined Alaska’s Mileage Plan frequent flier program just yet can take advantage of an opportunity to sign up by the end of the year and receive a unique $25 discount code off their next flight.
Asia-Pacific Tourism Rebound: Late to the Party, But Now Leading the Pack
The global tourism industry is bouncing back in 2024. International arrivals increased 16% between January and August, compared to 2023, according to travel intelligence firm ForwardKeys. The company’s insights, presented at the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Perth, highlighted the pivotal role of the Asia-Pacific region in driving this resurgence.
Houston’s New Low-Cost Link to Tokyo: What You Need to Know
Nonstop travel options between Texas and Tokyo are about to get interesting. On Thursday, low-cost carrier ZIPAIR Tokyo announced a major new route linking Houston with the Japanese capital.
Alaska and Hawaiian Are Officially Joining Forces. Here’s How That Will Affect Air Travel
Over the past decade, four airlines have dominated in the U.S.: United, Delta, American, and Southwest. Now, Alaska Airlines is making a run at the incumbents—by joining forces with Honolulu-based Hawaiian Airlines.
Votes Against Cruise Restrictions Have the Edge in Juneau, Alaska
The final vote isn’t in yet, but it looks like large cruise ships will continue to be allowed to dock on Saturdays in Alaska’s capital.
A Guide to Taking the Alaska Railroad, From Where to Hop Off to What Routes to Take
“It’s a Dall sheep!” the train tour guide exclaims as we swoop past a jagged cliffside dotted with fuzzy white creatures impressively balanced on their rocky perch.
You May Be Able to See the Northern Lights Tonight — What to Know
The northern lights may be visible over the lower 48 states starting Thursday night, offering a somewhat rare chance to see the spectacular phenomenon.
Alaska Airlines Just Announced the Return of a Favorite Cross-country Route — Plus, More West Coast Offerings
Exploring the West Coast just got easier with new airline routes.
2024 holiday airfare special report: 7.2 million pieces of data show how valuable your airline miles are this season
The holidays are an expensive time of year — especially if you're hoping to travel to visit loved ones or head out on a peak-season vacation.
Denmark, Greece, Portugal: 18 European countries can now visit China visa-free
After Norway was added to China's visa-free list earlier in September, five more European countries have made the cut.
Airline Roundup: Top Headlines From September
The month of September can usually be characterized in one word: wet. This month was no exception.
Silversea's Silver Nova Wraps Up Successful First Season in Alaska
Silversea is celebrating the successful completion of Silver Nova’s first season in Alaska.