Which airline offers the best value for flights to Japan?
Planning a trip to Japan? Choosing the right airline can save you money, time, and hassle! ✈️
There are plenty of direct flight options from Hong Kong to Japan, ranging from traditional full-service airlines to budget carriers. Here's a side-by-side comparison of HK Express (UO), Peach Aviation (MM), Greater Bay Airlines (HB), Hong Kong Airlines (HX), Cathay Pacific (CX), and All Nippon Airways (ANA) for direct flights to Japan. This guide will help you pick the best flight based on your needs! 🛫
P.S. If you're in a hurry, check out the summary in image 2.
【Positioning】
HK Express and Peach Aviation are low-cost carriers, Greater Bay Airlines offers a more diverse service range, Hong Kong Airlines provides mid-range balanced services, while Cathay Pacific and ANA represent high-quality traditional airlines.
🔸 HK Express: Hong Kong-based budget airline under Cathay Pacific
🔸 Peach Aviation: Japanese low-cost carrier based at Kansai Airport
🔸 Greater Bay Airlines: Emerging airline offering value-for-money services
🔸 Hong Kong Airlines: Mid-range airline balancing cost and service
🔸 Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong's flagship full-service airline
🔸 ANA: Japanese full-service airline known for high-quality service
【Destinations】
HK Express covers the widest range of secondary cities in Japan, Peach focuses on Osaka routes, while Cathay Pacific and ANA concentrate on major hub airports.
🔸 HK Express: Tokyo Narita/Haneda, Osaka, Sendai, Shizuoka, Komatsu, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Takamatsu, Okinawa, Fukuoka, Ishigaki (seasonal flights to Miyako)
🔸 Peach Aviation: Osaka (daily stable flights)
🔸 Greater Bay Airlines: Tokyo Narita, Osaka, Sendai, Tokushima, Yonago (upcoming regular flights to Sapporo)
🔸 Hong Kong Airlines: Tokyo Narita, Osaka, Nagoya, Okinawa, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Yonago
🔸 Cathay Pacific: Tokyo Narita/Haneda, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo
🔸 ANA: Tokyo Narita/Haneda, Osaka
【Fares and Baggage (varies by fare type)】
HK Express and Peach offer the lowest base fares but charge extra for baggage, while Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines include basic baggage allowances. Cathay Pacific and ANA provide all-inclusive services but at higher prices, though Cathay often runs promotions.
🔸 HK Express:
Round-trip to Tokyo: ~$1,500 (excluding baggage); checked baggage charged per piece (20kg ~$310–$600); carry-on limited to 7kg, one item only
🔸 Peach Aviation:
Round-trip to Osaka: ~$2,000 (excluding baggage); checked baggage charged per piece (20kg ~$110–$170); carry-on limited to 7kg, two items allowed
🔸 Greater Bay Airlines:
Round-trip to Tokyo: ~$3,500 (includes 20kg checked baggage)
🔸 Hong Kong Airlines:
Round-trip to Tokyo: ~$4,000 (includes 23kg checked baggage)
🔸 Cathay Pacific:
Round-trip to Tokyo: ~$5,000 (includes 23kg checked baggage); prices vary widely with promotions
🔸 ANA:
Round-trip to Tokyo/Osaka: ~$5,000 (includes 23kg checked baggage)
【In-flight Experience】
Budget carriers (HK Express, Peach) offer basic facilities with narrower seats, often without reclining options. Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines provide more comfortable seating and basic meal services, while traditional airlines (Cathay, ANA) excel in comfort, entertainment, and meal quality.
🔸 HK Express:
Narrow seats, no entertainment; offers Hong Kong-style meals (cup noodles ~$30, rice dishes ~$60)
🔸 Peach Aviation:
A320 aircraft, hard seats, narrow space; wide selection of Japanese meals (e.g., takoyaki, curry rice ~$100)
🔸 Greater Bay Airlines:
Spacious seats, free water; offers Hong Kong-style meals (instant noodles ~$70, baked pork chop rice ~$90)
🔸 Hong Kong Airlines:
More comfortable seats than budget carriers (thicker cushions), no entertainment; free snacks (e.g., small cakes) + a bottle of water
🔸 Cathay Pacific:
Standard economy seats, provides blankets and entertainment system; free meals (main course + drinks)
🔸 ANA:
Spacious seats, comprehensive entertainment system; refined meal options
【👍 Which One Suits You?】
HK Express is ideal for budget-conscious travelers with minimal luggage, Peach is great for those heading to Kansai, Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines are perfect for value-seekers who want basic comfort, while Cathay and ANA are best for those prioritizing service quality and a complete experience with a higher budget.
🔸 HK Express: Budget travelers with light luggage
🔸 Peach Aviation: Kansai-bound travelers seeking Japanese service
🔸 Greater Bay Airlines: Travelers valuing seat space and basic baggage allowance
🔸 Hong Kong Airlines: Independent travelers balancing cost and comfort
🔸 Cathay Pacific: Families, business travelers, or those seeking reliable service
🔸 ANA: Experience-focused travelers with a generous budget
Final Tip: The above comparison is based on general conditions. Airlines may adjust fare structures, baggage policies, and services at any time. 🎒
We strongly recommend checking trip.com or the official websites of the respective airlines before booking to confirm the services and restrictions included in your chosen flight and fare class, especially baggage allowances!
Wishing you a fantastic trip to Japan! 🎉
Got more tips for flying to Japan? Feel free to share in the comments! 💬