Best Ways To Book Japan Airlines First Class With Points [Step-by-Step]

Key Takeaways

• As an Oneworld member, Japan Airlines First Class can be booked using miles from programs like Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, and American AAdvantage.
• Transferring points from partners like Marriott Bonvoy can help you build your balance to secure first class awards.
• Availability is limited, so being flexible increases your chances of snagging a first class seat on long-haul routes.

If Japan Airlines first class isn’t near the top of your list of flying experiences to try, you might want to reconsider.

From the plush lounge to your private first class seat to the incredible hospitality, this is a chance to enjoy pure luxury. If you enjoy Champagne, flying first class on Japan Airlines will be a particularly special treat.

Before we dive into the best ways to book this amazing experience, let’s discuss what you can expect when flying first class with one of the best airlines in the world.

(We’ve also covered the top ways to fly to Japan using points and miles!)

A Look Inside Japan Airlines First Class

If you fly out of Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Tokyo Haneda (HND), your first class journey starts in a Japan Airlines first class lounge. You won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for a place to relax, have a drink, enjoy some food, or do some work with fast Wi-Fi. Best of all, many Japan Airlines first class lounges feature a made-to-order sushi bar.

Their first class lounges even have self-pouring beer machines that have become a favorite of many luxury travelers.

Once you’re on board, Japan Airlines goes to great lengths to ensure you enjoy all of your food and drinks with true Japanese service. Japan Airlines is known for having some of the best food of any airline.

Although the JAL first class suite does not have doors, like those of Emirates first class, Singapore Suites, or the Etihad Apartments, the dividers provide plenty of privacy so you can feel right at home.

How to Fly Japan Airlines First Class on Points

As an Oneworld alliance member, you have many ways to book Japan Airlines first class award seats.

You can book first class award tickets on Japan Airlines through their Mileage Bank program, American Airlines AAdvantage, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, or one of their many other Oneworld partners. Take a look below at the best ways to book this flight.

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

The first option we will look at to fly Japan Airlines first class is with its own Mileage Bank program.

Mileage Bank uses a region-based award chart for its flights. This differs from the distance-based chart Mileage Bank uses for partner award redemptions. However, since we are only focusing on Japan Airlines first class flights using Mileage Bank, that award chart will not apply here.

Here is the award chart for award flights between North America and Japan in first class using Mileage Bank:

In addition to the region-based award chart, Mileage Bank also utilizes seasonality for its pricing, meaning that the number of miles depends on when you are flying. You can find the exact mileage required and the seasonality chart on Japan Airlines’ website for all Japan Airlines Mileage Bank redemptions.

During the low season, you can book one-way awards between North America and Japan for 110,000 miles.

It is worth noting that Mileage Bank does not allow for stopovers on its award redemptions, so you would not be able to stop in Japan and continue onward with your first class redemption.

You can book flights on Japan Airlines online by following the steps below:

1. Go to the Japan Airlines website.
2. Log in to your JAL Mileage Bank account.
3. Select Book Award Tickets.
4. Select JAL International Award Ticket Reservation.
5. Enter your travel information, including travel dates, departure and destination airports, and whether you want to fly one-way or round-trip.
6. Select Designate Date if your travel must be on the specific dates you have selected, or Award Reservation Calendar if you have flexible travel dates.
7. Click Next.
8. If you select Designate Date, you’ll be taken directly to your flight options.
   • Ensure the flights you select have available seats and do not require waitlisting.
9. If you select Award Reservation Calendar, you will see 7 dates for your departure and 7 for your return. Select the dates. You will be taken to your flight options for those dates.
10. Confirm that you’re OK paying the Mileage Bank miles and taxes and fees required.
11. Select your desired flights and hit Next (assign seat now) so you can select your seat and complete the booking process.

Earning Japan Airlines Miles

Earning Japan Airlines Mileage Bank miles is difficult, as the program only partners with Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio. With every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive 5,000 bonus miles.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan is another excellent way to fly Japan Airlines first class. The program revamped its award charts, in March 2024, switching to a distance-based award chart.

One-way Japan Airlines first class flights can be booked starting at 90,000 Alaska miles. This is slightly higher pricing that Japan Airlines charges using its Mileage Bank program.

However, the Mileage Plan allows for stopovers, even on one-way award redemptions, which can provide significantly more value when it comes to award redemptions. You can have a stopover in Tokyo for up to 364 days for Japan Airlines flights by using Alaska miles.

In addition to the stopover policy, it is easier to earn Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles than Japan Airlines Mileage Plan miles.

Hot Tip:

Check out our guide on the best ways to redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles for maximum value.

To book, go to Alaska’s website and follow these simple steps:

1. Go to the Alaska Airlines website.
2. Sign in to your account.
3. Search for your desired route (make sure you select Use Miles).
4. Select your desired flight and click Add To Cart.
5. Pay the necessary taxes and fees and complete your booking.

You can also schedule a stopover on a one-way award ticket booked with Alaska miles.

Earning Alaska Airlines Miles

Earning Alaska Airlines miles can be difficult, as the program has only 2 major transfer partners: Marriott Bonvoy and Bilt Rewards. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio. With every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive 5,000 bonus miles.

Meanwhile, Bilt Rewards transfer to Alaska Mileage Plan at a 1:1 ratio. Transfers are pretty much instant.

Here are Marriott Bonvoy credit cards we recommend:

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card! Free Night Award valued up to 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.

60,000 points + 1 Free Night Award

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $770

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.99% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
• 5 Elite Night Credits each year

Cons

• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night Award valued up to 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Credit Card from Chase^®!
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold^® Card.
• Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
• Pay Yourself Back^® - Redeem Marriott Bonvoy^® points for a statement credit to cover qualifying travel purchases made directly with airlines or at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, up to $750 total in redemptions per year.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Welcome Offer

Our best offer is back! Earn 5 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening with your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card. Certain hotels have resort fees.

5 Free Night Awards

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,750

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Our best offer is back! Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless^® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points. Earn 85,000 points after you spend $5,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Up to 135,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $945

Annual Fee

$250

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points. Earn 85,000 points after you spend $5,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Bonvoy^® 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy^® Gold Elite Status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy^® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy^® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Plan It^® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Up to 150,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,050

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy^® American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy^® Platinum Elite Status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when the stay is booked with a Qualifying Rate at hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy, subject to availability upon check-in.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy^® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy^® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton^® or St. Regis^® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck^® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy^® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
• Enroll in Priority Pass Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection*, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. *Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

In addition, Alaska Airlines also has 2 co-branded credit cards, both personal and business versions.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature^® credit card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Provides the potential to earn plenty of miles to fly with Alaska Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you spend at least $6,000 a year on the card!

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature^® credit card

Provides the potential to earn plenty of miles to fly with Alaska Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you spend at least $6,000 a year on the card!

Welcome Offer

Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and get 50,000 bonus miles with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

50,000 miles + $0 Companion Fare™

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$800

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

With the Alaska Signature card in your wallet, you can get great perks and earn miles at the same time. This is a win-win if Alaska is the airline you prefer to fly with! Plus, its annual companion fare is a great benefit for traveling couples.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x miles per $1 spent on Alaska purchases
• 2x miles per $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services
• 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases

Cons

• Charges a $95 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) and get 50,000 bonus miles with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. Get a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Free checked bag. Any cardholder who purchases airfare with their card, and up to 6 additional guests traveling on the same reservation, may check their first bag free.
• Enjoy priority boarding so you can get to your seat quicker, when you pay for your flight with your card.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America^® account.
• A faster way to earn status with your Alaska Airlines credit card. Throughout 2024, for every $10,000 you spend on purchases, you’ll automatically earn 4,000 elite-qualifying miles (EQMs), up to 20,000 EQMs total.
• Enjoy 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases and get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership when you pay with your new card.
• With oneworld^® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
• Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or a companion fare.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees.^†

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Frequent Flyer Program

American Airlines AAdvantage

Another excellent and, quite possibly the simplest, way to book Japan Airlines first class is through the American Airlines Advantage program.

American Airlines has devalued its program a few times over the years; however, plenty of value remains to be had. In most situations, the best value to get out of American miles comes from partner awards, which are not subject to dynamic pricing, unlike American’s flights.

For partner airlines, American has a published award chart. On the partner award chart, Asia is divided into 4 regions, and Japan is considered to be part of Asia Region 1.

Here is what American charges for one-way award flights on partner airlines between North America and Japan:

American charges 80,000 miles for first class seats on partner airlines, including Japan Airlines. Although the mileage requirements are slightly higher than with other programs, including Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, the miles are also significantly easier to earn.

Here’s what you need to do to book partner awards with American Airlines miles.

1. Head over to American’s website.
2. Click Redeem miles.
3. Enter your travel information, including the origin and destination airports, the number of passengers, and the departure date.
4. Select a one-way or round-trip journey.
5. Click Search.
6. Confirm your award space.
7. Pay the taxes and fees.

Earning American Airlines Miles

Earning American Airlines miles is relatively simple, as there are numerous American Airlines co-branded credit cards from Citibank and Barclays.

The AAdvantage program is also a transfer partner of Marriott Bonvoy. Transfers from Marriott Bonvoy occur at a 3:1 ratio. However, there is no 5,000-mile bonus if you transfer 60,000 Bonvoy points, unlike other programs.

Here are Citibank American Airlines co-branded credit cards we recommend:

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Status lovers will enjoy the variety of benefits that come with this card. From free bags to reduced-price inflight beverages, AA still flies in style.

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

Status lovers will enjoy the variety of benefits that come with this card. From free bags to reduced-price inflight beverages, AA still flies in style.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $3,500 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening.

80,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,120

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee, $99 after the first year

APR

20.24% — 29.24% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card is a great option for American Airlines frequent flyers who want to earn more miles on their daily purchases and score perks such as free checked bags, preferred boarding, and savings on inflight food and beverage purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles at restaurants, gas stations, and eligible American Airlines purchases
• 1x miles on all other purchases
• 1x Loyalty Point per $1 spent on all purchases

Cons

• Does not earn transferable rewards
• Charges an annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $3,500 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening
• Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage^® mile earned from purchases
• Earn a $125 American Airlines Flight Discount after you spend $20,000 or more in purchases during your card membership year and renew your card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation
• Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% — 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%

Rewards Center

American Airlines AAdvantage Program

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Access to Admirals Clubs, tons of added benefits, and a way to spend towards elite status make this a great option for American Airlines loyalists.

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^®

Access to Admirals Clubs, tons of added benefits, and a way to spend towards elite status make this a great option for American Airlines loyalists.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

100,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$980

Annual Fee

$595

APR

20.24% — 29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The AAdvantage Executive World Elite card is a must-have for frequent American Airlines flyers who want Admirals Club lounge access, to earn more miles on their daily expenses, and a fast-track to American Airlines AAdvantage elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 10x miles on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through aadvantagehotels.com and aadvantagecars.com
• Earn 4x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, and 5x miles after you spend $150,000 in purchases in a calendar year
• Earn 1x mile and 1 Loyalty Point on all other purchases

Cons

• $595 annual fee
• Doesn’t earn many miles on all other eligible purchases

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Card Highlights

• Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Admirals Club^® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage^® mile earned from purchases
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% — 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Rewards Center

American Airlines AAdvantage Frequent Flyer Program

American Airlines AAdvantage^® MileUp^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn 2x miles per dollar spent on American Airlines flights and at grocery stores, all without needing to pay an annual fee.

American Airlines AAdvantage^® MileUp^®

Earn 2x miles per dollar spent on American Airlines flights and at grocery stores, all without needing to pay an annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

15,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$210

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.24% — 29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The American Airlines AAdvantage^® MileUp^® is perfectly suited for those looking for a way to earn more American Airlines miles and earn Loyalty Points, all with a $0 annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles per $1 on American Airlines and grocery store purchases
• 1x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases

Cons

• Other cards are more rewarding for frequent American Airlines flyers
• Charges a 3% foreign transaction fee

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Card Highlights

• Earn 15,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• No Annual Fee
• Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles for each $1 spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services
• Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• Earn 1 AAdvantage^® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage^® mile earned from purchases
• Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flight

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% — 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%

Hot Tip:

Using American Airlines’ search engine is a great way to search for Oneworld partner availability.

Other Options for Booking Japan Airlines

You can also book flights on Japan Airlines with any of their other Oneworld partners, including British Airways. Unfortunately, the redemption rates on these other carriers are often quite poor.

For example, British Airways uses a distance-based award chart. Flights between the U.S. and Japan are typically quite far, meaning you need to use a lot more miles to fly between the continents. Typically, the best value to get out of British Airways Avios comes from short-haul flights.

Great Japan Airlines First Class Redemptions

First, let’s take a look at some standard awards between the U.S. and Japan. After that, we will look at more creative ways to book Japan Airlines in first class.

If you’re flying from major U.S. hubs, including New York City (JFK), Chicago (ORD), or Los Angeles (LAX), one is 220,000 Japan Airlines miles round-trip. You could also book with 160,000 American miles round-trip.

How To Earn Enough Miles for Japan Airlines First Class

If you are ready to book a flight in Japan Airlines first class but don’t have enough miles for the itinerary you want, there are plenty of ways to earn more.

Marriott Credit Cards

You can earn Marriott points and transfer those to Japan Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 rate to all those programs. For every 60,000 Marriott points you transfer with Japan Airlines or Alaska Airlines, you receive an extra 5,000 miles bonus. You don’t get that bonus with transfers with American Airlines.

Bilt Mastercard

The Bilt Mastercard (rates & fees) earns rewards on rent, dining, and travel purchases. Bilt points transfer to Alaska miles at a 1:1 ratio. The card has no annual fee, making it a great way to stock up on miles for Japan Airlines first class.

Citi Credit Cards

Citi offers plenty of American Airlines co-branded credit cards that can quickly earn you lots of American Airlines miles.

When Should You Search for Award Space?

Finding a first class award seat on Japan Airlines is not always easy, but if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can create a fantastic trip.

As soon as you have an idea when you’d like to travel, start searching. You might be able to find space many months before departure, but Japan Airlines might not release award space until days before you want to depart. Flexibility is important when it comes to Japan Airlines premium cabin award redemptions.

What Makes Japan Airlines a Great Redemption?

Flying first class with Japan Airlines is a memorable experience, thanks to the great seats and top-notch service and offerings. Champagne lovers get a chance to sip on one of the most expensive Champagnes in the world, for example.

First Class Service

The cabin crew in Japan Airlines first class is second to none. They take great pride in creating an amazing flight experience for passengers, so you can sit back, relax with a glass of Champagne, and enjoy the flight.

Amazing Champagne: Louis Roederer Cristal 2009

Speaking of Champagne, several airlines around the world serve Dom Perigon, Krug, etc. But Japan Airlines stands alone in serving Louis Roederer Cristal 2009, which retails for over $300 per bottle. Needless to say, you won’t be disappointed.

Phenomenal Whiskey: Hibiki 17

Another huge perk of Japan Airlines first class is the liquor selection. You’re given the opportunity to try Hibiki 17, an increasingly rare and world-class whisky. Because Hibiki 17 has been discontinued, the demand is extraordinary now. Bottles can retail anywhere from $750 to $1,000.

First Class Suite

Your first class suite provides a comfortable seat that converts into a nice lie-flat bed. Additionally, you have space to move around and enough privacy to make you feel right at home.

Final Thoughts

When you fly with Japan Airlines, you can expect an exceptional first class experience. Whether you’re flying out of Tokyo Narita or Tokyo Haneda, you get a chance to experience Japan Airlines’ incredible first class lounges. Once on board, it only gets better as you settle into your suite and see the first class cabin crew in action.

While you can use Japan Airlines’ Mileage Bank program to book your award tickets, you may be better off using American Airlines AAdvantage or Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan to book. These miles are significantly easier to earn.

Granted, it’s not always an easy award ticket to book, but you will be thrilled to put in that little extra effort. Japan Airlines award space can be hard to come by, but it is worth taking the time to look.

That said, you may need to be flexible and book either well in advance or at the last minute to score Japan Airlines award seats.