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Virgin Australia: Tokyo Return from $814 Including 23kg Checked Luggage [August to December] @ Beat That Flight

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Virgin Australia has a great sale on presently, with international deals to Bali, Fiji, Vanuatu, NZ, Samoa and Japan, and domestic flights from $55 one way.

I'm focusing on the Japan route, where most flights change in Cairns and then go direct to Tokyo (Haneda airport)!

Virgin has deals on their site for Lite fares (no bags) but the ones I'm finding are inclusive of 23kg luggage, but depending on your requirements, make sure to check the allowance carefully - you might want space to bring back some Japanese pottery if my wife's backpack was anything to go by!

Flights officially on sale from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, but there's no reason why you can't also connect from your town/city.

There are Tokyo hotels on sale as well, don't forget to book yours.

Sydney to Tokyo

Dates: 1 Aug 23 - 20 Dec 23

Return Price Travel Dates
$1010 1 Aug to 8 Aug
$1052 1 Aug to 18 Aug
$1052 1 Aug to 23 Aug
$1052 1 Aug to 28 Aug
$1098 5 Aug to 12 Aug
$1037 5 Aug to 17 Aug
$998 5 Aug to 22 Aug
$1039 5 Aug to 27 Aug
$1035 5 Aug to 1 Sep
$975 9 Aug to 16 Aug
$975 9 Aug to 21 Aug
$998 9 Aug to 26 Aug
$975 9 Aug to 31 Aug
$874 9 Aug to 5 Sep

Melbourne to Tokyo

Dates: 1 Aug 23 - 20 Dec 23

Return Price Travel Dates
$975 1 Aug to 8 Aug
$1033 1 Aug to 18 Aug
$1037 1 Aug to 23 Aug
$1037 1 Aug to 28 Aug
$1019 5 Aug to 12 Aug
$1020 5 Aug to 17 Aug
$918 5 Aug to 22 Aug
$996 5 Aug to 27 Aug
$996 5 Aug to 1 Sep
$999 9 Aug to 16 Aug
$999 9 Aug to 21 Aug
$999 9 Aug to 26 Aug
$999 9 Aug to 31 Aug
$998 9 Aug to 5 Sep
$999 13 Aug to 25 Aug
$999 13 Aug to 30 Aug
$999 13 Aug to 4 Sep
$974 29 Aug to 5 Sep

Brisbane to Tokyo

Dates: 1 Aug 23 - 20 Dec 23

Return Price Travel Dates
$1075 1 Aug to 8 Aug
$1075 1 Aug to 12 Aug
$1075 1 Aug to 16 Aug
$1098 1 Aug to 20 Aug
$1075 1 Aug to 24 Aug
$1075 1 Aug to 28 Aug
$1075 4 Aug to 23 Aug
$1075 4 Aug to 27 Aug
$1075 4 Aug to 31 Aug
$1075 7 Aug to 14 Aug
$975 7 Aug to 22 Aug
$1054 10 Aug to 2 Sep
$1054 22 Aug to 2 Sep
$1054 28 Aug to 12 Sep
$1070 24 Oct to 16 Nov
$947 27 Oct to 15 Nov
$974 30 Oct to 22 Nov
$975 2 Nov to 17 Nov
$974 2 Nov to 29 Nov
$995 5 Nov to 16 Nov
$1019 5 Nov to 20 Nov
$995 5 Nov to 28 Nov
$974 8 Nov to 15 Nov
$975 8 Nov to 23 Nov
$975 11 Nov to 22 Nov
$974 11 Nov to 4 Dec
$975 14 Nov to 29 Nov
$995 17 Nov to 28 Nov
$995 17 Nov to 6 Dec
$975 23 Nov to 4 Dec
$974 29 Nov to 6 Dec

Cairns to Tokyo

Dates: 1 Aug 23 - 20 Dec 23

Return Price Travel Dates
$815 1 Aug to 8 Aug
$815 1 Aug to 16 Aug
$814 1 Aug to 24 Aug
$814 1 Aug to 28 Aug
$815 4 Aug to 15 Aug
$815 4 Aug to 23 Aug
$814 4 Aug to 27 Aug
$814 4 Aug to 31 Aug
$815 7 Aug to 14 Aug
$815 7 Aug to 22 Aug
$814 7 Aug to 30 Aug
$815 13 Aug to 24 Aug
$815 13 Aug to 28 Aug
$814 13 Aug to 5 Sep
$815 16 Aug to 23 Aug
$815 16 Aug to 27 Aug
$815 16 Aug to 31 Aug
$815 16 Aug to 4 Sep
$815 22 Aug to 29 Aug
$815 22 Aug to 6 Sep
$815 28 Aug to 4 Sep
$850 9 Oct to 1 Nov
$815 30 Oct to 14 Nov
$815 30 Oct to 18 Nov
$814 30 Oct to 22 Nov
$814 30 Oct to 26 Nov
$815 2 Nov to 17 Nov
$815 2 Nov to 21 Nov
$814 2 Nov to 25 Nov
$814 2 Nov to 29 Nov
$815 5 Nov to 16 Nov
$815 5 Nov to 20 Nov
$815 5 Nov to 24 Nov
$814 5 Nov to 28 Nov
$814 5 Nov to 2 Dec
$815 8 Nov to 15 Nov
$815 8 Nov to 23 Nov
$815 8 Nov to 27 Nov
$814 8 Nov to 1 Dec
$815 11 Nov to 18 Nov
$815 11 Nov to 22 Nov
$815 11 Nov to 26 Nov
$815 11 Nov to 30 Nov
$814 11 Nov to 4 Dec
$815 20 Nov to 27 Nov
$815 20 Nov to 1 Dec
$815 23 Nov to 30 Nov
$815 23 Nov to 4 Dec
$815 26 Nov to 3 Dec
$815 26 Nov to 7 Dec
$815 29 Nov to 6 Dec


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closed Comments

  • what kind of planes are flown?

    • 737s, is my understanding

    • +11

      737-8 Max
      The plane with some of the worst toilets in the industry, as you can only fit one hand into the sink to wash.

      Remember Virgin doesn't provide any meal for the long flight, so it's more like Jetstar levels of service.

      They need to lower their prices as Haneda is only great for domestic flights, if you are just heading to Tokyo, there isn't really that much advantage, except maybe half an hour less train travel.

      • +18

        Personally I just prefer the Haneda airport as well. Departures from there is just fantastic with the food hall 'village' upstairs.

        And it's easy to access, vs the long ride from Narita when you're jetlagged and just want to get to the hotel :/

        • I've found plenty of Hotels very close to the Narita airport usually with their own shuttle or within walking distance for very cheap prices. More than what you can find at Haneda. Plus if I want to get into the city quickly, I can catch the Keisei skyliner and I get in just over 30 minutes.

          • +4

            @Pcoder: I think it's more the fact there aren't really not too many interesting stuff around Narita apart from the mountain and the temple on top of it just to go into Tokyo on the Skyliner (which would also cost you extra). Some of the train from Haneda also goes directly into the city via Keikyuu and Toei Asakusa as well.

            Arguably the first time to Tokyo Narita might be the better choice since the train slowly brings you into the city as when compared to Haneda where it comes out from the airport straight and you're in the residential area.

        • I really hope with the extended ANA relationship they give us ANA Haneda lounge as it’s supposed to be amazing

      • +2

        737 Max is the one that went down a couple of times last time? These planes are not grounded anymore?
        Scary…. :p

        • +3

          Yes it is but I think this has been largely resolved.

          The main issue now is to make the 1960s design work for the airlines they have to queeze them in like sardines.

        • +16

          user name doesn't check out. should be used to traveling in death traps

        • Read up on how they've resolved the issue. The system in question has in fact been fixed (and can be completely and easily overridden by pilots) and they've been flying just fine for a while now.

        • +2

          Do your research lmao.

          Perfectly safe and flown on them since. Haven't lost my life or my testicles.

        • +5

          Thanks for the input gents above. I did a bit of digging, and found this….
          https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-27/boeing-737-max-in-mid…
          Note, it is dated on 27-Jun-2022, so quite recent.

          • @tesla: Wow! that is concerning.
            I've never thought to check what type of plane I'll be on, but will be checking from now on.

            • @ryefig: It really isn't. When you consider the number of flight hours, the chances are miniscule. You're more likely to bite it in a car accident on your local main road than go on a plane.

              • +1

                @freshness872: kinda agree but still chances are higher compared to non Max ones

      • The train ride from Haneda to Tokyo is way cheaper than the ride from Narita to Tokyo though…. and it only took me 30 minutes from arrival to train platform on my last trip in December last year.. Personally it's Haneda for me in comparison to Narita.

        • I only came back in December, but JR + Monorail was cheaper, but you only save about $10-20 compared to using Narita.

          My point is that Haneda and Narita are both fine, but I'd think there's only at best a maybe $50 benefit to using Haneda. The main benefit to using Haneda is domestic airline connections as although it has improved, Narita still does terribly in comparison.

          I've actually found Narita good for last minute shopping as there is a big Aeon mall that has a Don Quiote outside and an outlet mall also near by. All can be accessed by bus and a lot of the Hotels near by offer a free shuttle (They don't check if you are a hotel guest ;) )

  • +2

    Virgin only has 737 now.
    It stops at Cairns before flying to Tokyo.

  • +16

    Protip: If you want to maximise your shopping time in Japan, look for 24h Don Quixotic stores (there's a few in Tokyo) and do shopping after midnight. And spend over $55 in a single transaction and you can shop tax free (exclude food items), but make sure to have your passport with you.

    • +3

      Why after midnight? I went at different times (the one in shinjuku) and never found it busy.

      • +4

        Quieter, less people so don’t have to wait long in the queue for tax free checkout. No other shops are open at that time so if you have nothing to do might as well do some midnight shopping (and grab some midnight snacks too!)

    • I usually visit a donki when i land late. In fact i did just that a few days ago. Landed at 9:15 got to hotel at 11 and straight to a donki nearby for some toiletries and snacks.

  • Honestly, is this the best deal I'm gonna see from Melbourne to Haneda?

    Been on the look out for ages now but no longer wanna fly Qantas or Jetstar for obvious reasons, so I've mostly just been looking at Virgin. This doesn't FEEL like a good deal to me considering how cheaper I've flown to and from Japan on my many previous trips, but…this IS a good deal, right?

    Not sure if it's worth waiting on (and trusting in) a Jetstar/Qantas return free sale again.

    • +4

      I've been watching for ages too :( The only other 'decent' full service airline is Philippines - usually around $750 and via Manila (horrible airport). Otherwise you're going to Singapore Airlines, who are great, but a longer flight via SIN and for a bit more money might be worth looking at.

      Sometimes there's been a Cebu Pacific sale for under $500ish, but rare, and also via Manila (eg https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/741560)

      • +1

        Yeah I was considering Philippine but then saw the comments on here and decided NOPE.

        Also, after so long without the trip and the prices having gone up…I wanna be there at least 3 weeks. Ideally a month. That always mucks up the price further.

        • +1

          I really liked Philippine Airlines the one time I've flown with them. But that was TO Manila, and then I got out, rather than transiting.

          Also worth considering the JR pass if you're looking at duration - from memory they come in weeks, eg 2 weeks, 3 weeks of travel

          • @beatthatflight: Yeah I've never bothered with it in the past, but then travel a lot by train. Very silly really. And although this time I wanna do a lot more walking and cycling, I'll consider it.

      • I booked Cebu for $478 from Melbourne in that Cebu deal.

        Mel->Manila (stay 1week)
        Manila->Tokyo (stay 1week)
        Tokyo->Mel (Transit in Manila pretty good arrive 5.10pm flies out 12.30pm next day)

    • +3

      I don't think its an amazing deal, certainly not worth posting about on OzBargain. There are some big benefits to flying into Haneda rather than Narita, though.

      • +4

        I'd definitely prefer it. Traveling to/from Narita sucks. Especially after such a long journey from Australia to begin with.

        • +2

          That being said, last time I flew to Japan (December 2019 - saw the Diamond Princess full of this new "respiratory disease" docked in Kawasaki at the time!) I flew with JAL and i'll be damned if it wasn't the best flying experience ive ever had (which includes flying in the then-new "eggs" in Qantas business class from Hong Kong to Adelaide in the mid-2000s…)

          • +2

            @xyron: Yeah JAL are lovely. And wow, that timing.

            • @Selenium: How come the JAL deals have been so dry over the past 1.5 years?

              • @PorkHunt: No idea. I've only flown with them once I think, many years ago.

              • @PorkHunt: Probably because they didn't allow tourism for about 2 years +

              • @PorkHunt: Their prices were excellent right up until Japan reopened. I went over in August last year for around $1000 return (to Narita albeit). Now I can't find anything with JAL below $1800 or so.

          • +1

            @xyron: JAL are great in all classes, as are ANA. I've flown in many Premium Economy seats before and ANA's is right up there as among the best I've enjoyed.

    • +13

      Personally i wouldn't fly this route with Virgin as use a 737 for this. Imagine being on a domestic / single aisle plane for 9-10 hours.

      Maybe have a look at Japan Airlines..thats another option out of Melb.

      • +1

        I'll be uncomfortable regardless. I hate flying.

        Just need a good price on an airline that won't let me down.

    • +1

      I think we will see other sales. Japan has a shit economy right now, they are desperate for tourist $$$, JAL might even do a sale.

      • Sure hope so. Would like to go before our dollar gets worse/the yen gets better.

      • Japan may be in the shitter but there's a pent-up demand by tourists and also a lack of flights getting there. Sales by the major airlines won't happen for a while.

  • Anything in January yet?

  • +1

    No Perth 🥲

    • +1

      Look at Cathay. Can get some dates for 900ish on actual widebody planes

      • From my experience, Cathay's service has deteriorate quite a bit over the past few years. I'd put them in the same league as Qantas, especially after recent reports from HK saying they're underpaying staff.
        But if you dont have much to choose from because of budget, they're not a bad airline.

        • As a recent datapoint - I had four Cathay economy flights in the past few weeks and they were great. Crew were fantastic and you'd be hard pressed to find a more comfortable economy product imo with their double-padded seats.

    • +1

      Never love for Perth D:

  • +6

    Fair warning if you dislike humid weather, August is the peak of Tokyo's summer — I widely see 27ºC being thrown around as the average but when I was last there in 2017, it went above 32-35º at least half of 2 weeks we were there, and can confidently say it was significantly hotter and more humid than the likes of Singapore/Malaysia.

    • I was there last August. Never again, everyday was 37 degree

      • -6

        Similarly, and masks everywhere in that weather.
        Thank goodness masks are starting to come off a bit so less social pressure.

        • +6

          Username checks out.

      • +1

        Sounds like a normal summer day here in Brisbane

        • -1

          Tokyo summer is really hot and humid. I am not sure about brisbane, but definitely hotter than summer in Sydney. And i felt their air con are usually pretty weak in mall and public transport.

          • @nonoannie: It's like Cairns on steroids, the summer there makes ours look like a joke imo.

  • +2

    Great deals, hanging out for Jan deals to take advantage of the snow season!!

  • +2

    Any chance of getting deals for the June/July school holidays?

    • This deal is so far ahead, what happens if the company goes belly up?

      • +3

        I don't think Virgin will go down yet. They hinted that they made about a 5% profit margin. They are also planning to announce an initial public offering of shares. That means they are serious about expanding and they will be competing with Qantas. I think this is great. It will create even more competition for Qantas.

        Source: https://www.afr.com/companies/transport/virgin-to-deliver-2-…

      • Right then, you're purchasing directly from Virgin. I thought Beat That Flight is a Travel Agent.

  • +1

    I always only take carry-on every year to Japan, so if I'm getting Jetstar service otherwise, I'll wait for the $350~ return specials.

  • +2

    I booked for Japan via Phillipine Airlines (full service and includes free change to all tickets which is rare for economy class). I was lucky to get $3,000 for the family (2,2) return in April school holidays (Cherry Blossom season too). What's so bad about Manilla airport transit? Especially when it's only a couple of hour transit, just curious why (having being to Cairns airport which isn't fancy at all to begin with, I don't see why Manilla airport would be much worse). Can anyone explain so we can be prepared? (I'm picturing things like very dirty toilets, people robbing you in the airport or having to walk two kilometres to transit etc.. is it that bad.. lol)

    • My biggest concern is that apparently Manila airport isn't meeting safety standards. Source

    • +2

      We were there last month. things to prepare: bring PHP cash from oz, as there may be no (functioning) ATM. Even if there is ATM, and if the ATM works, do note that all ATM in PH charge around $6.50 per withdrawal regardless of amount and this is on top of your usual bank foreign charges (if any). You wont have much choices for food either (dont expect maccas) and they do not take cards and prices are elevated. Dont think we saw water fountain as well. Space is an issue as well as it is very tight inside departure area. Check out some youtube video so you will have a clue. Also, as mnl is heavily congested and known for causing delays, expect 30mins delay for boarding (expect some pushy people to jump the queue ahead of you because everybody cant wait to get onboard..) and then sit idle on tarmac waiting for your flight turn to take off. If you can bear all, of that, then, yeah, the savings is worth it.

      • Thanks for the heads-up, not as bad as I thought as long as it's safe. Our transit is only 3 hrs. After allowing time for transit time, departure and arrival times, times in the ques etc for checking in, security etc I don't think we'll have much time to enjoy so called 'luxuries' of Manila airport so hopefully we'll be fine. I'll ensure we have packed meals and filled water bottles in our carry-on luggages.

        • +1

          It's also dangerous, pickpockets and touts (some are very aggressive) all over the place. Not somewhere I'd be taking myself let alone an entire family (especially if kids are young). A shame you didn't research it before you booked your flights - fingers crossed you'll be alright!

          • @xyron: The things some people risk just for save a few dollars…

          • @xyron: Thanks mate, didn't do my research on the transit (who would have thought 3 hour same terminal transit could become such a dangerous thing.) Will give it a go but thanks a lot for all the heads-ups, we'll be prepared to the best we can..

        • +1

          make sure your transit is within the same terminal, 3 hrs is probably not enough for inter-terminal transit. Otherwise, the airport isnt too bad for a 3 hrs transit. You probably just need to prepare to entertain you kids (depends how old they are) since their Wifi never works. Just think of it as Cairns airport with 10x more people and no maccas no ATM.

    • FYI this year cherry blossom predicted to be two weeks early.

    • +1

      Manila airport is the worst airport I've ever been to, and I'd never personally go again, but if you've already booked then I don't think you need to worry about it being a horror film.

      The most annoying thing for us was when you get off the plane you're straight in to a long queue down some steps, through some corridoors, with nobody really knowing why, you're just following everyone else. Eventually you get to a small room and all of the flight's suitcases are there, and you have to find yours, open it up to be inspected by an employee. It's a bit chaotic and really bizarre and I've not had that anywhere else, definitely something they've been forced to do in any space they can find, rather than a place designed for it.

      It's a cramped airport, with too many people, and the food choices are dire, from memory the toilets were completely fine, but its only a few hours of your life and then you'll be somewhere else.

      • Wait a minute, are you saying all our check in luggages are also being checked even if it's only a transit?? I've never heard of that before..

        • +1

          Yep! It was a Philipines Air flight- Singapore to Brisbane with a 5 hour transfer in Manila.

          I have no idea if this is every flight or not or just a weird one off, there wasn't really any explanation and most people seemed confused to be seeing their cases again whilst transiting. But don't worry, you don't have to take your case or check in again or anything, you go in this room, all the cases are there, you point out your case to a guy, open it infront of him, he'll put a sticker on your case and then put it back with the rest of them. You're only in there for a minute and then go through to the gates like an other transfer. Hopefully you won't have to do it and it was just a weird quirk.

  • Hello Fellow OZB,
    I have booked a flight from BNE to Japan and will be transiting in Cairns on my return flight.
    I was planning to buy Hibiki from Japan within the allowed alcohol limits per person.
    Since, I will be changing from international travel to domestic travel at Cairns, am I allowed to carry the alcohol bottles (sealed in the duty free package) as carry on baggage or do I need to check them in my luggage at Cairns airport?
    Any thoughts /advice on this one?
    Is it worth the hassle of buying Japanese whiskey from Japan?
    Cheers

    • Domestic flights in Australia don't have the 100 mL liquids cap so no problem transiting from international to domestic.

  • Anything decent from Adelaide? Been waiting for some decent flight deals to decide my next holiday, but they seem to be few and far in between.

    • Malaysia Airlines flying ADL > Tokyo for $1300 to $1400. Probably the best you'll get IMO

  • Already going to NZ this year. Budget can only cover one international trip a year. Looks like back to Japan in 2024.

  • +1

    I’d wait for the codeshare agreement to be announced + the velocity benefits on ANA to see price drops and promotions hopefully !

  • +2

    B737 for 12+ hours. That's a big nope from me dawg. I'm sitting on 300k Velocity points and hoping their ANA codeshare happens soon so I can finally use them.

    • +3

      This is something that I think gets very overlooked when booking a flight: what type of plane you will be on.

      Most people assume international flight = something big like a 747

      However in the case of virgin, as others have mentioned, they will be tiny 737’s which are fine for 1hr short trips, eg: melb > syd.

      I can barely sit at my comfortable work desk for an hour, I would have no chance at being forced to sit in a cramped kids sized seat on a 737 for 9 hours

  • Prices still very high i see. I remember going to Tokyo on Jetstar (Sydney via Cairns) for $450 return.

  • A warning, Cairns international terminal is quite dire. I haven't looked how long the layovers are but don't expect many (any) options to get something to eat. This is from my experience doing this route on Jetstar in 2016, maybe it's better now.

    • If your there for a few hours, worst case walk/catch a taxi to the local shops

      Last time I was there for a 2-3 hour stop over I just chilled on the beach, which is like a 5min walk from the terminal

      • I was in Cairns airport in 2021, it's definitely a taxi ride away from town and I'm not too sure the beach is 5 minutes away.. lol. The airport is near the ocean but I wasn't aware of any beach access directly from the airport. It's a small airport but at least you are still in Australia and if the transit is too long it's just a matter of going out and enjoy what Town has to offer (it's beautiful out there).

        • Sorry my bad, it was at gold coast airport not cairns

  • Just beware August/September you have to deal with heat, humidity and sometimes even typhoons.

  • Like many on here, ages since we have flown to Japan but looking at flights for January 2024 direct from MEL>TYO (any airport). Is it fair to say not to expect a decent sale if we are going for direct flights? Seems JAL remains the best option around $1900 pp return but we don't want to have any stopovers. Wondering if post pandemic this is as good as it gets, or if it'll get worse as it's peak season?

    Appreciate any input and that nobody has a crystal ball, but can't find anything as to what people were paying for similar this year… Thanks!

    • +1

      I personally think it'll get worse before it gets better for direct. There are lots of 'hacks' and low cost carriers to reduce the overall cost a bit but it usually involves LCCs and crazy stopovers in Singapore, KL or Manila (or Cairns).

      • Thanks mate - appreciate the feedback.

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