Gulf carrier Etihad Airways currently has a nice sale going for premium tickets from Madrid to Tokyo. Flights up until December 2020 are available as low as €1,476. All itineraries feature a layover in Abu Dhabi in both direction, where you can enjoy lounge access. While this is unusual for discounted business class fares, the cheapest tickets are available directly at etihad.com.
Etihad serves both routes to Madrid and Tokyo with state of the art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. These planes feature lie-flat-seats in an unusual 2-4-2 seating pattern. Half of the seats are facing backwards. You can read a comprehensive review about this product here.
Search & Book
According to the fare rules, this offer is valid until February 14, 2020. It covers flights leaving Madrid before December 10, 2020 with a minimum stay of four days in Japan. A minimum stay of one month applies. Availability is somewhat scattered, but you can find multiple weekly departures at the lowest fare in May, June, July and November 2020.
We recommed using Google Flights to find suiting flight dates (instructions). The cheapst tickets are sold on etihad.com anyways, so go there directly and save yourself further complications.
Why is booking with an airline better than with an online travel agency?
More often than not, online travel agencies offer lower fares than airlines do. We still recommend booking with the airlines directly. There are two main reasons for that:
Better Customer Service
In case any problems like delays, cancellations or missed connections arise, you can communicate directly with the airline. The airline has to take care of you because you have a contract with them.
If a travel agency issues your ticket, you may have to reach out to them first. You also depend on your OTA to forward information like flight changes instead of receiving them directly from the airline. In many cases, you may get a prime exhibition of responsibility shifting rather than problem-solving.
This especially applies to premium tickets. You don’t want to spend more than €1,000 to wind up with some budget OTA’s telephone hotline in case anything goes wrong.
Baggage and Other Fees
Economy fares not including hold luggage are industry standard by now. In most cases, travel agencies charge much higher baggage fees than the airlines themselves. If bags are not included in your fare, airlines are often the cheaper alternative.
This also applies to other things like food services, insurances or priority treatment. In almost all cases, you pay less for additional amenities when booking on the airlines’ website.
Mileage
Etihad issues these tickets in booking class W. Despite the airline not being a member of any airline alliance, you can still earn some nice mileage with affiliated frequent flyer programs:
- 22,176 Award Miles on American AAdvantage
- 22,176 Award Miles on Asiana Club
- 22,176 Award Miles on Garuda Indonesia GarudaMiles
- 22,176 Award Miles on Hainan Fortune Wings Club
- 22,176 Award Miles on Oman Air Sindbad
- 22,176 Award Miles on Royal Air Maroc Safar Flyer
- 22,176 Extra Points on SAS EuroBonus
- 22,176 Award Miles on SriLankan FlySmiLes
- 22,176 Award Miles on Saudia Alfursan
- 22,176 Award Miles on Flying Blue
- 22,176 Points on JetBlue TrueBlue
- 22,176 Miles on Air Europa Suma
- 22,176 Award Miles on Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles
- 22,176 Award Miles on TAP Miles&Go
- 21,324 Award Miles on ANA Mileage Club
- 21,324 Points on Malaysia Airlines Enrich
- 21,324 Award Miles on Air Canada Aeroplan
- 21,324 Points on Air Canada Aeroplan 2026
- 17,058 Miles on Etihad Guest
- Customize Calculation
Information & Tips for Japan
Japan offers a blend of modern cities and natural beauty, with highlights including Tokyo’s bustling urban landscape, Kyoto’s historic temples, Mount Fuji, and the hot springs of Hakone. The currency is the Japanese yen (JPY), and credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, though cash is still common in rural regions. Japan can be pricey, especially in cities, with high costs for accommodation and dining, but budget options are available. The weather varies by region: summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold, particularly in the north. The best time to visit is typically during spring (for cherry blossoms) or autumn (for fall foliage).
Japan’s transport infrastructure is highly efficient and easy to navigate. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, the metro and train systems are extensive, punctual, and relatively easy to use, though they can get crowded during peak hours. Buses and taxis are also available, but less convenient for tourists. For intercity travel, Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet trains) are fast, comfortable, and reliable, though more expensive than other options. Buses and domestic flights are also available for longer distances, but trains remain the preferred choice for many travellers due to speed and convenience.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as YohoMobile and Nomad. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for Japan 🇯🇵 Compared
→ All Dealz for Japan
Information & Tips for Tokyo
Tokyo is known for its blend of traditional and modern attractions, including the historic Senso-ji Temple, the bustling Shibuya Crossing, and the futuristic Odaiba district. The currency used is the Japanese yen (JPY), and credit cards are widely accepted in many places. Tokyo can be expensive, especially for accommodation and dining in tourist areas, but budget options are available. The weather varies: summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold but generally dry. The best times to visit are in spring (for cherry blossoms) and autumn (for mild temperatures).
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as YohoMobile and Nomad. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for Japan 🇯🇵 Compared
→ All Dealz for Tokyo