6 Best Airlines to Fly To Japan

Japan is now open to tourists after being closed for over two years due to the pandemic. Many travelers are excited to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. What’s the best way to fly across the Pacific Ocean?

We have selected the top airlines that fly to Japan, and we’ve listed the best ways to book flights with points or miles to Japan.

Not all airlines are created equal. Certain airlines provide a better experience, especially when flying to Japan. These are our top choices for trans-Pacific flights, even though the prices may be the same.

Both Japanese airlines are ranked in our top 10 list of the most popular airlines worldwide. We give Japan Airlines the edge in our ranking of the top airlines to fly to Japan.

Japan Airlines is one the few airlines to install eight seats per row in economy, instead of the usual nine. Japan Airlines has the most spacious economy seats in economy, with at least 33 inches of seat pitch per seat. Japan Airlines’ economy seats are appropriately called “Sky Wider” by the airline. ”

The experience only gets better as you go along. Japan Airlines has one of the best premium economy products anywhere in the world. It is highly recommended that you book its first and business class seats if you have the funds.

Japan Airlines is a Japanese-based airline. All Nippon Airways, better known as ANA, offers first and business class experiences that are highly acclaimed. ANA is a great option if you are looking for a great way across the Pacific, regardless of what cabin you choose.

Delta Air Lines is the most notable U.S-based airline flying to Japan. Delta Air Lines has added perks such as hot towel service and complimentary Bellinis to its economy service.

Delta offers the new Premium Select premium economy option on many of its routes. You can also enjoy Delta One Suites on many of your flights to Japan.

Although the airlines listed above can get you to Japan comfortably, they might not be the best for award flights. These airlines offer the best value if you are looking to redeem miles or points to travel to Japan.

Flying to Japan with ANA will give you the best value in points and miles. Many loyalty programs offer great award pricing on ANA. These miles can also be easily earned through major transferable points programs.

You can book roundtrip award flights between the U.S.A. and Japan during off-peak times for as low as

• 
  40,000 mile round trip in economy.
  

• 
  62,000 mile round trip in premium economy.
  

• 
  75,000 mile round trip in business class.
  

Round-trip awards via ANA are cheaper than other deals in this article, even during peak hours. The negative aspect is the high surcharges ANA charges for award bookings made on its flights.

Transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards to increase your ANA Mileage Club mile balance at a 1:1 ratio. Transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to ANA at a ratio of 1:1 — plus a 5,000 mile bonus if you transfer at least 60,000 Bonvoy Points.

Book a one-way flight through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club if you are looking for a low cost option. For as little as 30,000 miles per way, economy nonstop award flights on ANA from the U.S. mainland can be booked. Upgrade to business class for 45,000 miles or spend 55,000 points on ANA first-class.

Every major transferable point program allows you to transfer points to Virgin Atlantic. You will need to first transfer Capital One miles via Virgin Red.

American Airlines did not rank high on our list as the best airline to fly to Japan. It’s an attractive option for anyone using points and miles, thanks to multiple award redemption options.

• 
  32,500 miles per way in economy for off-peak times
  

• 
  35,000 mile round trip in economy for standard dates.
  

• 
  50,000 miles per way in premium economy.
  

• 
  60,000 miles per way in Flagship Business Class.
  

These award flights can be booked for less miles by American’s partnership to Etihad Guest. Off-peak economy awards are available for 25,000 Etihad guest miles, while business class awards can be booked for 50,000 miles.

You can’t book award flight tickets online. You will need to search online for award availability and then call Etihad guest to make a booking. Transfer points from Citi ThankYou points, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital Miles, or American Express Membership Rewards to earn Etihad Guest points.

Japan Airlines is one of the most popular airlines to fly to Japan. You can also use your miles to get great deals. Alaska Mileage Plan Mileage Plan collectors can fly Japan Airlines from Japan to Japan, or onwards into Asia for as little as:

• 
  35,000 miles per way in economy.
  

• 
  60,000 miles per way in business class.
  

• 
  70,000 miles per way in first class.
  

Book a stopover in Tokyo with Alaska Mileage Plan to get no additional miles and book a free stopover there.

American Airlines AAdvantage members get almost the same rates, but with no free stopover. Japan Airlines first class is 80,000 AAdvantage Mileage Plan miles, whereas Japan Airlines premium economy costs 70,000 Mileage Plan points. The upside is that AAdvantage members are able to book Japan Airlines premium economy at 50,000 AAdvantage points each way.

JAL Mileage Bank points are the best way to book Japan Airlines award tickets to Japan. You’ll only pay:

• 
  25,000 miles per way in economy.
  

• 
  32,500 miles in premium Economy.
  

• 
  50,000 miles business class
  

• 
  70,000 miles first class.
  

These sweet spots have a downside: JAL Mileage Bank cannot be a transfer partner for any major U.S. banking points program. The Marriott Bonvoy is the best option for transferring at 3:1.

United Airlines is another U.S.-based airline worth considering when booking award tickets to Japan. Booking through ANA Mileage Club is the cheapest option for mileage, at just 50,000 miles round-trip.

However, ANA has high fees for United award flights. Book United economy award flights with United for as low as 35,000 United MileagePlus points each way. If you have to top up your account, transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United.

You can fly United Polaris business class from the United States to Japan for 70,000 United MileagePlus points or 75,000 Aeroplan Points each way. There are no taxes or fees and you pay only 85,000 ANA Mileage Club Mileage Club miles roundtrip. United is very strict about releasing international award availability to general membership.

There is no wrong way to fly from Japan. It doesn’t matter how you fly to Japan, it is worth the effort. Some airlines offer a more comfortable way to cross the Pacific.

Japan Airlines and ANA are our top choices for the best airlines to fly Japan, regardless of whether you book with miles or cash. Our list then diverges. American and United offer attractive redemption options when booking with miles and points. For a more comfortable flight, Delta or Singapore Airlines are good options.