So you raised just enough money to cover your once-in-a-lifetime Japan holiday — you’ll definitely want that money to go far. Probably the biggest drain on your resources would be air fare, so you should do your homework and shop around, and not just go along with what your travel agent wants you to book.

Here’s the skinny on five airlines that operate direct flights to and from Japan. From luxurious Japan Airlines to cheap and cheerful Cebu Pacific Air, we have all the pros and cons you will ever need to book a flight for the holiday of your dreams.

Japan Airlines

Japan’s flag carrier is one of the classiest fleets in the world — lauded for its up-to-the-minute punctuality, restaurant-quality food, and pretty Japanese flight attendants in Business and First Class

Pros

Free 20 kg. checked baggage allowance
Great cabin crew and ground staff
Excellent food and free-flowing beverages
Arrives at and departs from Tokyo (Narita International Airport)

Cons

Premium fares
Departs from and arrives at NAIA Terminal 1

Fares

PhP 60,000 and up

Philippine Airlines

The Philippine’s flag carrier is a veritable pro on the Manila-Tokyo route; smooth take-offs and landings guaranteed. PAL also flies from clean and modern Terminal 2.

Pros

Free 20 kg. checked baggage allowance
Departs from and arrives at NAIA Terminal 2
Arrives at and departs from Tokyo (Narita International Airport)

Cons

Prone to delay
Food isn’t bad, but not great either

Fares

PhP 27,000 and up

All Nippon Airways

ANA is the newest Japanese airline to fly from Manila. ANA is best known for its domestic Japan routes, although the airline has been steadily expanding its international flights over the past few months.

Pros

Cheap fares
Free 20 kg. checked baggage allowance
Departs from and arrives at NAIA Terminal 3
Arrives at and departs from Tokyo (Narita International Airport)

Cons

Connecting flight to the US, may be diverted
Cheap fares only available for limited periods

Fares

PhP 25,000 and up

Delta Airlines

Delta flies many routes to the United States — but what many people do not know is that it connects to to Chicago or New York via Tokyo-Narita, so it’s a great alternative if all the direct flights are booked solid.

Pros

Cheap fares
Free 20 kg. checked baggage allowance
Arrives at and departs from Tokyo (Narita International Airport)

Cons

Connecting flight to the US, may be diverted to Nagoya (Chubu International Airport)
Departs from and arrives at NAIA Terminal 1

Fares

PhP 25,000 and up

Cebu Pacific Air

The Philippines’ largest and most popular low-cost fleet, flying to major destinations in South East Asia as well as China, Korea, and Japan.

Pros

Cheap fares
Departs from and arrives at NAIA Terminal 3

Cons

Arrives to and departs from Osaka (Kansai International Airport) — not great if you were aiming for Tokyo
No free checked baggage allowance

Fares

PhP 14,000 and up