April 7, 2003--Okay, so the World Health Organization is telling people to stay away from Hong Kong. But Asia's a big continent, with plenty of fascinating destinations. Hurting from the war and from the SARS scare, airlines are trying to drum up business to Asia right now--so you can find some fabulous fares.
United, is pitching in with cheap flights to Japan, a so-far SARS-free destination. Roundtrips between New York, Chicago, Seattle or LA and Tokyo are going for $540 plus the usual $100 or so in tax. Flights from DC or Boston are $640. That's a good fare from the West Coast, a terrific fare from the East. Tickets must be purchased by April 30 for travel between May 31 and June 30; the fares require a 7-day advance purchase and a 6-day minimum stay, and are only available Monday through Thursday. Purchase on www.united.com.
There's no SARS in Seoul, and Korean Air is running a sale on flights from San Francisco to the South Korean capital. Round-trips cost $589 plus tax. Buy before April 18 for outbound travel before May 4. You can stay up to 90 days, and they only require a three-day advance purchase. Purchase at www.koreanair.com.
Yes, we know you're not supposed to go to Hong Kong right now. But take a moment to think about that city's poor flag carrier, Cathay Pacific. Cathay perpetually offers one of the best deals on the planet: its $999 All Asia Pass, which includes round-trip transportation from the US to Hong Kong and 21 days of unlimited travel to 17 cities in Asia. The pass is only $999 for travel before May 15 or after August 17--at the moment, we'd advise looking at September or October for that multi-city jaunt you've been dreaming of. Go to www.cathay-usa.com.
Northwest Airlines is trying to fill seats on its many Asian routes with a sale that started this weekend. Of course, it's not the best time to fly to Singapore or Hong Kong. But flights from Atlanta to Tokyo are $590 plus tax and flights from Houston to Taipei are $616 plus tax. These fares are for Monday-Thursday travel, 7-day advance purchase is required, you have to travel by May 31, and you must stay in Asia between 6 and 30 days. Buy by April 29 at www.nwa.com. But beware: Northwest's sale fares on some Asian routes aren't the lowest in their markets. For instance, searching for a trip from New York to Bangkok in May, we found a $662.40 fare on Northwest--but a $602.40 fare on United. And San Francisco to Manila is $693.90 on Northwest, but $656.30 on Expedia with the China Airlines sale we mentioned above.
