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Springtime is an awesome time for you to visit Japan. That means United’s flash award and cash sale on routes from the U.S. to Japan is a timely offering. With the promotion, you can book one-way awards from the U.S. to Japan for 25,000 miles plus taxes and fees. At the same time, United launched a heavily discounted cash sale with roundtrip fares starting from $825. To take advantage of either sale, you must book by April 7, 2023.
United Award Flash Sale Key Terms:
- Book awards from the U.S. to Japan for 25,000 miles each way plus taxes and fees.
- The sale is for economy awards.
- Pricing only applies to new award bookings, not existing awards.
- Awards must be booked by April 7, 2023.
- The travel window is through May 18, 2023.
- Offer is valid for travel between the U.S. mainland and Japan: Tokyo Haneda (HND), Osaka (KIX), and Tokyo Narita (NRT).
- A portion of the itinerary may be operated by Air Wisconsin, CommuteAir, GoJetAirlines, Mesa Airlines, Republic Airways, SkyWest Airlines, or other codeshare partners.
- Awards are subject to availability.
United Award Flash Sale Routing Options
When it comes to routing options and pricing, there doesn't seem to be a difference whether you are taking a direct flight or connecting. For instance, a one-way award from Newark (EWR) to Tokyo (HND) will set you back 25,000 miles plus $5.60 in taxes and fees in economy.
The pricing is the same whether you take the direct flight or connect in San Francisco (SFO) or Chicago (ORD).
Let's say that you want to head to Osaka from the East coast, maybe from United’s hub in Newark. You will have to connect in San Francisco (SFO). However, there is no increase. Due to this, awards will still set you back 25,000 miles. The only difference is in the taxes and fees, with some routes levying $5.60 while others levying $11.20 if you have a long domestic connection.
The award pricing structure is repeated on the return leg from Japan to the U.S. For instance, a one-way award from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Newark (EWR) will set you back 25,000 plus taxes and fees. The fees vary from $47.25 to $52.85 whether you are flying directly or connecting. You have the choice of multiple connection options, including Chicago and Washington DC.
Award Space Availability
Even though spending over 12 hours in economy is a hard sell, this sale has been pretty popular since its launch. 25,000 miles for a one-way award to Japan seems hard to resist, and the limited award space is selling out quickly.
For instance, several days on the route from San Francisco to Tokyo have already sold out. So, if you see an award that works for you, you should snap it up immediately!
The situation is similar when it comes to awards to Osaka (KIX). For instance, most of April is already sold out. But, you can still find some space left in the last week of the month.
If you look into May, the demand seems to be equally high. Plus, only a few dates at the beginning of the month are available to you.
With limited availability, it is best to book immediately if you see a space that works for you. There is no telling whether United will release any more space. Unfortunately, once the current inventory is gone, then you have missed the boat.
Boosting Your United Mileage Balance
If you need to boost your United mileage balance to book an award quickly, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Reward points to United. Transfers happen at a ratio of 1:1 with a minimum transfer of 1,000.
Well, can’t you transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to United? Yes, you can. But, it is not the best idea with this promotion. Although, Marriot points typically transfer at a ratio of 3:1 with a minimum transfer of 3,000 points. However, unlike Chase Ultimate Rewards, which transfer immediately, Marriott points can take between two to five days to hit your United account. This delay makes them virtually unusable for this promotion.
Cash Sale Option
In conjunction with the award flash sale, United is also running a cash sale on the same routes. In specific, fares are starting from $825 roundtrip. Although, the cash sale runs for the same time as the award sale, and you must purchase tickets by April 7, 2023. Also, the travel window is much longer. If you book a discounted cash fare, the travel window is through September 30, 2023. However, a blackout date is in place between May 15 and July 23, 2023!
Our Take
If you want to head to Japan in the springtime and don’t mind spending the time in an economy seat, this promotion popped up just in time. On the other hand, if 12 hours in economy is not appealing, then you are better served looking elsewhere. Also, remember that Aeroplan can be a good way to fly between North America and Japan.
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