Best Ways to Fly NYC to Japan Using Points & Miles
New York offers excellent options for flying to Japan, with nonstop flights from both JFK and Newark. The longer flight time means premium cabins are especially valuable.
Route Overview
Flight time: 13.5-14.5 hours nonstop
Nonstop from JFK:
- ANA, JAL, All Nippon Airways
- Destinations: Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda
Nonstop from Newark (EWR):
- United Airlines
- Destination: Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda
Best Award Redemptions from NYC
Economy Class
| Program | Points Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ANA (via Virgin Atlantic) | 60,000 RT | Best value |
| United MileagePlus | 70,000-90,000 RT | Good availability |
| JAL (via Alaska) | 50,000 RT | When available |
| American AAdvantage | 70,000-80,000 RT | On JAL metal |
Best value: ANA via Virgin Atlantic or JAL via Alaska when space opens.
Business Class
| Program | Points Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ANA (via Virgin Atlantic) | 95,000-105,000 RT | Excellent product |
| JAL (via Alaska) | 120,000 RT | Premium business |
| United Polaris | 150,000-200,000 RT | Variable pricing |
| American (on JAL) | 120,000 RT | Solid option |
Best value: ANA business via Virgin Atlantic is exceptional value for the 14-hour flight.
First Class
| Program | Points Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ANA First (via VA) | 120,000-130,000 RT | The Suite product |
| JAL First (via Alaska) | 140,000 RT | Incredible experience |
Strategy: Maximizing NYC Options
ANA via Virgin Atlantic
- Transfer from Amex, Chase, Citi, Capital One
- Book round trip only
- Check both JFK departure times
- 355-day advance booking window
JAL via Alaska Mileage Plan
- Best for one-way business bookings
- 60,000 miles one-way in business
- 70,000 miles one-way in first
- Purchase miles during sales
United from Newark
- Use Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Dynamic pricing can be high
- Better for Polaris business class
- Check for Excursionist Perk stopovers
Connecting Options Worth Considering
Sometimes connecting flights offer better value:
Via Europe (on the way):
- Fly to Tokyo via London, Paris, or Frankfurt
- Use Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France
- Can be same or fewer points with a free stopover
Via Middle East:
- Qatar, Emirates, Etihad connections
- Often better availability
- Longer but more comfortable in premium cabins
Credit Card Strategy for NYC
Recommended cards:
1. Amex Platinum - ANA transfers, Delta, Centurion Lounge at JFK 2. Chase Sapphire Reserve - United, Virgin Atlantic, Hyatt 3. Citi Premier - Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines 4. Capital One Venture X - Virgin Atlantic, Air France
NYC-specific tips:
- Amex Centurion Lounge at JFK Terminal 4 is excellent
- United Club access at Newark with passes
- Chase Sapphire Reserve gives Priority Pass
Peak vs Off-Peak
Hardest to book (book 11+ months out):
- Cherry blossom season
- December holidays
- Golden Week
- Summer (especially July-August)
Easier availability:
- January-February (cheapest)
- Late May-June
- September-early October
Sample Redemptions from NYC
Economy sweet spot:
- 60,000 Virgin Atlantic points
- ANA economy JFK-Tokyo round trip
- Taxes: ~$50
Business class sweet spot:
- 100,000 Virgin Atlantic points
- ANA "The Room" business class
- Taxes: ~$150
Ultimate splurge:
- 130,000 Virgin Atlantic points
- ANA "The Suite" First Class
- One of world's best first class products
Tips for East Coast Travelers
1. Consider Boston - Sometimes has better availability 2. Check DC (IAD) - ANA flies here too 3. Be flexible - JFK vs Newark can matter for availability 4. Time zones - Overnight flights arrive morning in Tokyo
New York's long flight to Japan makes premium cabin redemptions especially valuable. Focus on ANA and JAL products, book early, and don't overlook connecting options through Europe.