Best Ways to Fly LA to Japan Using Points & Miles
Los Angeles is one of the best US cities for flying to Japan. Multiple airlines, nonstop options, and solid award availability make LAX a points traveler's dream.
Route Overview
Nonstop flights from LAX:
- Tokyo Narita (NRT): ~11.5 hours
- Tokyo Haneda (HND): ~12 hours
- Osaka Kansai (KIX): ~12 hours
Airlines with nonstop service:
- ANA, JAL, United, American, Delta, Singapore Airlines, Zipair
Best Award Redemptions from LAX
Economy Class
| Program | Points Required | Transfer Partners |
|---|---|---|
| ANA (via Virgin Atlantic) | 55,000-60,000 RT | Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One |
| United MileagePlus | 70,000-80,000 RT | Chase |
| American AAdvantage | 65,000-75,000 RT | Direct earn |
| Delta SkyMiles | 80,000-120,000 RT | Amex |
Best value: ANA booked via Virgin Atlantic at 55,000-60,000 round trip.
Business Class
| Program | Points Required | Transfer Partners |
|---|---|---|
| ANA (via Virgin Atlantic) | 90,000-95,000 RT | Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One |
| JAL (via Alaska) | 60,000 one-way | Limited partners |
| United Polaris | 140,000-180,000 RT | Chase |
| American (on JAL) | 60,000 one-way | Direct earn |
Best value: JAL via Alaska Mileage Plan at 60,000 one-way in business.
First Class
| Program | Points Required | Transfer Partners |
|---|---|---|
| ANA First Class | 110,000-120,000 RT | Via Virgin Atlantic |
| JAL First Class | 70,000 one-way | Via Alaska |
Best value: ANA First Class via Virgin Atlantic - one of the best redemptions in the world.
Strategy: ANA via Virgin Atlantic
This is the sweet spot for LAX travelers:
How it works: 1. Transfer Amex, Chase, Citi, or Capital One points to Virgin Atlantic 2. Book ANA flights through Virgin Atlantic's website 3. Round trip required for this redemption
Rates:
- Economy: 55,000-60,000 RT
- Business: 90,000-95,000 RT
- First: 110,000-120,000 RT
Tips:
- Book 355 days out when ANA releases space
- Check Tokyo Haneda for better times
- Fuel surcharges are low (~$50)
Strategy: JAL via Alaska Airlines
Best for one-way business class:
How it works: 1. Earn or buy Alaska miles 2. Book JAL flights through Alaska's website 3. One-way bookings allowed
Rates:
- Economy: 25,000 one-way
- Business: 60,000 one-way
- First: 70,000 one-way
Tips:
- Alaska runs sales on purchased miles
- Good for positioning flights
- JAL business class is excellent
Low-Cost Options
Zipair (Budget Carrier)
- JAL's low-cost subsidiary
- LAX to Tokyo Narita nonstop
- Cash fares from $400-600 one-way
- Not bookable with points (cash only)
- Decent option if award space is limited
Positioning Flights
If LAX availability is poor, consider:- San Francisco (similar options)
- Seattle (good for Alaska/JAL)
- San Diego (connect through LAX)
When to Book
Peak seasons (book 10-12 months ahead):
- Cherry blossom (late March - early April)
- Golden Week (late April - early May)
- Autumn foliage (November)
- Christmas/New Year
Easier availability:
- January - February
- May (after Golden Week)
- June (rainy season)
- September - October
Credit Card Strategy for LA Travelers
Best cards for Japan flights:
1. Chase Sapphire Reserve/Preferred - Transfer to United, Virgin Atlantic, Hyatt 2. Amex Gold/Platinum - Transfer to ANA, Virgin Atlantic, Delta 3. Capital One Venture X - Transfer to Virgin Atlantic 4. Citi Premier - Transfer to Virgin Atlantic
Earning strategy:
- Put all spend on transferable points cards
- Target 100,000+ points for round trip economy
- Target 200,000+ points for round trip business
Sample Redemptions
Budget redemption:
- 60,000 Virgin Atlantic points (transferred from Chase)
- ANA economy LAX-Tokyo round trip
- Total cost: Points + ~$50 taxes
Sweet spot redemption:
- 95,000 Virgin Atlantic points
- ANA business class round trip
- Total cost: Points + ~$100 taxes
Aspirational redemption:
- 115,000 Virgin Atlantic points
- ANA First Class round trip (The Suite)
- Total cost: Points + ~$150 taxes
Los Angeles offers some of the best award flight options to Japan. The key is booking early, being flexible with dates, and knowing which programs offer the best value for your preferred cabin.