Dancingbear comments

By my calculations, I won't be eligible in Japan until Sept/Oct and maybe 2022. That's just too long to risk it when you have kids as the potential vector. As a result, I just made reservations to go to Hawaii to get my vax next week. I'm using miles one way, so the total return flight cost is US$1300 on Hawaiian Airlines. Hawaii has no quarantine if you get your PCR test in Japan from an approved partner right before you fly. I will get vaxed in Hawaii the same day I arrive and then spend a few days making sure I don't have a reaction or get sick (Johnson and Johnson so only one shot) and then fly home 4 days later. Guam is the easier choice with their AirV&V program -- but no direct flights from Osaka to Guam means for the Kansai area getting stuck with 2 weeks of quarantine in Tokyo (i.e., at a hotel). However, Hawaiian Airlines has a direct flight once a week to Osaka so I can fly in and quarantine at home on my return. Of course, it would be nice if Japan removed the 2-week quarantine for those who are vaccinated but it is what it is. I'm guessing the total cost (with PCR tests on either end) will be about $2300-$2500. If I didn't have miles for one way, it would be a fair bit more as some round trip tickets were closer to $5k if you want to fly before US schools are out. Keep in mind, Americans are all going to Hawaii because they can now fly domestically without major hassles.....so this summer is going to be packed in Hawaii.