Frankfurt To Tokyo: Find The Cheapest Flights On Google!
Hey guys! Planning a trip from Frankfurt to Tokyo? Awesome choice! Whether you're dreaming of slurping ramen in Shibuya, exploring ancient temples, or just soaking up the vibrant culture, Tokyo is an unforgettable destination. But first, you gotta get there, right? And that's where Google Flights comes in super handy. Let's dive into how you can use Google Flights to snag the cheapest possible tickets for your Frankfurt to Tokyo adventure.
Why Use Google Flights?
Okay, so why Google Flights specifically? There are tons of flight search engines out there, so what makes this one special? Well, for starters, Google Flights has a super clean and intuitive interface. It's not cluttered with ads or confusing options, making it easy to see the info you need at a glance. More importantly, Google Flights excels at tracking prices and uncovering hidden deals that other platforms might miss. It pulls data from a vast network of airlines and online travel agencies, giving you a comprehensive view of available flights. This includes those elusive budget airlines that don't always show up on other search engines.
Another great feature is the price tracking tool. You can set up alerts for your desired route (Frankfurt to Tokyo, in this case), and Google Flights will email you updates whenever the price changes. This allows you to monitor trends and pounce when the fares drop. Plus, Google Flights has a flexible date search option. If your travel dates are flexible, you can view a calendar or price graph to see which days offer the lowest fares. This is a game-changer if you're trying to save money and aren't tied to a specific departure date. Finally, it is a product made by Google, so you can be sure the technology is up to date.
Step-by-Step: Finding Your Frankfurt to Tokyo Flight
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to finding the best deals on Frankfurt to Tokyo flights using Google Flights:
- Head to Google Flights: Open your web browser and type "Google Flights" into the search bar, or simply go to
google.com/flights. - Enter Your Departure and Arrival Airports: In the departure field, type "Frankfurt" and select "Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany." In the arrival field, type "Tokyo" and select either "Tokyo Narita (NRT), Japan" or "Tokyo Haneda (HND), Japan," depending on your preference. Narita is further from the city center but often has cheaper flights, while Haneda is closer but might be pricier.
- Select Your Dates: Click on the departure date field to open the calendar. If your dates are flexible, use the calendar view to see how prices vary by day. You can also click the "Flexible dates" option to explore different date combinations.
- Choose Your Cabin Class and Number of Passengers: Specify whether you want to fly economy, premium economy, business, or first class. Also, indicate the number of adults, children, and infants traveling.
- Explore the Results: Google Flights will display a list of available flights, sorted by price, duration, or departure time. You can use the filters on the left-hand side to narrow down your options based on airlines, layovers, flight duration, and more.
- Track Prices: Once you've found a flight that looks promising, click the "Track prices" toggle. Google Flights will then send you email updates whenever the price changes.
- Book Your Flight: When you're ready to book, click on the flight you want. Google Flights will redirect you to the airline's website or an online travel agency to complete the booking.
Pro Tips for Scoring the Best Deals
Okay, you know how to use Google Flights, but let's talk about some pro tips to really maximize your savings. These tips can help you find even better deals and make your travel budget stretch further:
- Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: As mentioned earlier, flexibility is your best friend when it comes to finding cheap flights. Experiment with different dates and consider flying on weekdays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest) or during the off-season.
- Consider Alternative Airports: Sometimes, flying into or out of a smaller, less popular airport can save you money. For example, instead of flying into Narita (NRT), consider flying into Haneda (HND), or vice versa. Compare prices for both airports to see which one offers the best deal. In Frankfurt, it's usually just Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
- Look for Layovers: Non-stop flights are convenient, but they're also usually more expensive. If you're willing to endure a layover or two, you can often save a significant amount of money. Use the filters on Google Flights to specify the maximum number of layovers you're willing to accept.
- Book in Advance (But Not Too Early): There's a sweet spot for booking flights. Booking too early (more than six months in advance) might not get you the best deals, as airlines haven't fully adjusted their prices yet. Booking too late (closer to your departure date) will almost certainly result in higher fares. Generally, the best time to book international flights is two to three months in advance.
- Set Up Price Alerts: This is a no-brainer. Use the "Track prices" feature on Google Flights to monitor price fluctuations and pounce when the fares drop. Be patient and don't be afraid to wait for the right deal.
- Consider Budget Airlines: While they might not offer all the bells and whistles of full-service airlines, budget airlines can be a great way to save money on your flight. However, be sure to factor in extra costs for baggage, seat selection, and meals.
- Use a VPN (Maybe): Okay, this one is a bit controversial, but some people swear that using a VPN to change your virtual location can sometimes unlock cheaper fares. The theory is that airlines might offer different prices depending on the country you're booking from. It's worth a try, but don't expect miracles.
Understanding Flight Prices: What Affects the Cost?
Ever wonder why flight prices seem to fluctuate so wildly? Several factors can influence the cost of your Frankfurt to Tokyo flight. Understanding these factors can help you make more informed decisions and snag the best possible deal:
- Seasonality: Flight prices tend to be higher during peak travel seasons, such as summer, holidays, and school breaks. If you can travel during the off-season, you'll likely find much cheaper fares.
- Day of the Week: As mentioned earlier, flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than flights on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Time of Day: Early morning or late-night flights can sometimes be cheaper than flights during prime daytime hours.
- Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in fuel prices can directly impact flight prices. When fuel prices rise, airlines often pass those costs on to consumers.
- Competition: The level of competition on a particular route can also affect prices. If there are many airlines flying between Frankfurt and Tokyo, prices are likely to be more competitive.
- Demand: Simple supply and demand. If a lot of people are trying to fly from Frankfurt to Tokyo on a particular day, prices will be higher.
Beyond Google Flights: Other Resources for Finding Cheap Flights
While Google Flights is an excellent tool, it's always a good idea to explore other resources as well. Here are a few other websites and strategies you can use to find cheap flights:
- Skyscanner: Similar to Google Flights, Skyscanner is a flight search engine that compares prices from a variety of airlines and online travel agencies.
- Kayak: Kayak is another popular flight search engine that also offers price alerts and flexible date search options.
- Momondo: Momondo is known for its ability to find unique and sometimes surprising flight deals.
- Airline Websites: Don't forget to check the websites of individual airlines, especially budget airlines that might not always appear on search engines.
- Travel Agencies: Online travel agencies like Expedia and Booking.com can sometimes offer package deals that include flights and hotels.
- Travel Forums and Blogs: Keep an eye on travel forums and blogs for tips and tricks on finding cheap flights.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about using Google Flights to find the cheapest tickets from Frankfurt to Tokyo. Remember to be flexible, do your research, and don't be afraid to experiment with different dates and airports. With a little patience and persistence, you'll be well on your way to scoring an amazing deal and experiencing the magic of Tokyo! Happy travels, guys!