Japan Airlines Reinstates Narita-Chicago Service, Brings A350-1000 to LA

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Updated: January 21, 2025, 12:19pm CST

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Fly Nonstop From Chicago to Both of Tokyo’s International Airports With JAL
Flying From the U.S. To Japan With Japan Airlines
Final Thoughts

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Japan Airlines, which is a great airline of choice when planning a trip to Japan, will once again offer a twice-daily service from Chicago (ORD) to the Japanese capital of Tokyo.

After being removed from its schedule in 2023, JAL will restore its nonstop service to Tokyo’s Narita (NRT) airport this spring.

Here are the details.

Fly Nonstop From Chicago to Both of Tokyo’s International Airports With JAL

The Japanese flag carrier will restart its nonstop service between the Windy City and Tokyo Narita on May 31, 2025 (with the return route launching the next day), just in time for the busy summer travel season. This is particularly useful for those wishing to connect onwards to other destinations in Tokyo, as Narita is great for connectivity.

The new service will operate according to the following schedule:

Depart Tokyo Narita (NRT) at 6:15 p.m. and arrive in Chicago (ORD) at 4 p.m.
Depart Chicago (ORD) at 12:30 p.m. and arrive in Tokyo Narita (NRT) at 3:15 p.m. (+1)

The arrival time in Chicago will be slightly modified from September 1 to October 25, 2025, to 3:45 p.m., and the departure time from Chicago during this period will be 12:10 p.m.

The flights will be codeshared with JAL’s Oneworld partner American Airlines.

The existing service from Tokyo Haneda (HND) arrives in Chicago early in the morning compared to the late afternoon arrival from Tokyo Narita:

Depart Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 10:50 a.m. and arrive in Chicago (ORD) at 7:35 a.m.
Depart Chicago (ORD) at 10:35 a.m. and arrive in Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 2:55 p.m. (+1)

Flying From the U.S. To Japan With Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines Airbus A350 1000 — JAL’s shiny new Airbus A350-1000. Image Credit: Chris Hassan

The U.S. is clearly an important market for Japan Airlines. Not only was it the launch country for its first-ever Airbus A350-1000 route to New York (JFK), but in 2025 the airline will offer more nonstop flights between the 2 countries than ever before.

JAL also recently announced that the A350-1000 will start service to Los Angeles (LAX) in the summer of 2025.

The carrier also sends a second daily Airbus A350-1000 service to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) from Haneda, making the U.S. the only country so far to have 3 airports welcome its new flagship aircraft.

In total, JAL connects 8 U.S. cities to the Japanese capital, along with Vancouver (YVR) in Canada.

To experience the very best of JAL’s exquisite hospitality and catering, you’ll want to be sitting in business or, if you have enough points (or cash), in first class.

Hot Tip:

Using Alaska Airlines or American Airlines miles is the easiest way to snag a seat in JAL’s business or first class.

Final Thoughts

JAL’s reinstatement of nonstop service from Narita to Chicago will mean better connectivity options for travelers to Japan and beyond.

Not only that, but the second daily flight should equate to more mileage redemption options should you wish to experience JAL’s prestigious business and first class without breaking the bank.