SFO to Tokyo Airfare Dips to $500, Undercutting Domestic Flights to New York

San Francisco, CA – Travelers are observing a notable shift in airfare dynamics, with flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tokyo, Japan, reportedly costing as little as $500, a price point that some find surprisingly lower than domestic routes to New York City. This observation was highlighted by Paul Katsen, who recently remarked on social media, "> SFO ✈️ Tokyo rt only $500 these days? cheaper than to ny."

This trend reflects a broader market adjustment where international airfares to the Asia-Pacific region have seen significant reductions. Experts attribute this to a combination of factors, including the weakened Japanese Yen, which makes Japan an exceptionally attractive and affordable destination for international visitors. Additionally, airlines have increased flight capacity to Asian markets, boosting supply and contributing to lower ticket prices.

Conversely, domestic air travel within the United States has experienced an upward trend in costs. According to recent analyses, domestic airfares in 2025 are projected to be higher than previous years, with some reports indicating a 3% increase from 2024 levels. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) itself is consistently ranked among the most expensive U.S. airports for domestic flights, further contributing to higher costs for routes like SFO to New York.

Budget carriers such as Zipair have played a role in offering more competitive pricing for flights from the U.S. West Coast to Tokyo, with some round-trip fares observed in the $550-$800 range. This contrasts with SFO to New York round-trip flights, which often start from $300-$600, but can easily exceed these figures depending on the airline, booking time, and specific dates. The strength of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese Yen also enhances the purchasing power of American travelers in Japan, making the overall trip more economical.

This pricing anomaly suggests a "new market equilibrium" in the post-pandemic travel landscape, where strategic airline route expansions and currency fluctuations are creating unexpected travel bargains for international destinations, even as domestic travel costs continue to rise. For travelers, flexibility in booking and destination choice remains key to securing the best deals.