Onwards: Notes from Haneda Airport
When visiting Japan I usually fly into Narita airport, located at least 90 minutes from most of Tokyo. It’s a long bus ride, especially after stepping off a ten-hour flight from the U.S. or Europe. But whenever possible, I prefer to leave Japan from Haneda airport, more centrally located and more “local” all around.
There are plenty of long-haul flights from Haneda, but the international terminal chiefly serves Japanese passengers traveling to other Asian countries or Hawaii.
Before clearing security, there’s an observation deck you can visit. I spent an hour there yesterday, with no WiFi (shocking!) and no coffee (normally a tragedy). I was jet lagged but only slightly, and I enjoyed watching the planespotters dutifully scanning the tarmac. Elsewhere, children bounced around between parents who periodically chased after them in between looking at their phones.
By the time I went through security and headed for the lounge, I felt fully integrated in travel world. I had to move on to the next stop, but the travel world was moving on with me.
Travel Hacking News: 60,000 Points Bonus Ends This Week
A couple of weeks ago I mentioned the increased signup bonus for two credit cards I use frequently. The signup bonus for each of these cards is usually 50,000 points—which is great on its own. 50,000 points can get you two round-trip plane tickets anywhere in North America, or one-way to Asia or Europe. For the next week only, however, you can earn an additional 10,000 points per card.
In more good news, Singapore Airlines is now included as a transfer option for these cards. You can essentially earn a round-trip, Business Class ticket to Asia for getting both of these cards and meeting the minimum spent.
I have both of these cards already, or otherwise I’d apply for them now myself. Highly recommended!
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*Live in Portland? Become an ambassador this summer! We’re now accepting applications for volunteers at WDS 2014.
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