JAL Business Class for 2+ (Summer/Fall 2023)
Last month, I sent an alert with JAL business class space from Chicago and San Francisco with a ton of availability. Now, most of that space is gone. However, I'm still seeing some space out of SFO and LAX now has space.
I wouldn't wait too long to book.
You may be able to connect to other destinations in Asia such as Bangkok, Taipei, etc. and/or connect within the US. Please keep in mind that connections could increase the award rate depending on the program you use to book.
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Straight To The Points:
Routes: LAX/SFO-TYO
Operating airline: Japan Airlines
Class of service: Business class
Dates: July - November 2023
Seats available: 2+
Cabin layout: 2-3-2, 2-2-2, 1-2-1
Book with (per person, one-way):
- *Alaska Mileage Plan: 60,000 miles
- *American AAdvantage: 60,000 miles
- Asia Miles: 75,000 miles
- British Airways Executive Club: 77,250 Avios
- Emirates Skywards: 88,000 miles
- JAL Mileage Bank: 50,000 miles
- Qantas Frequent Flyer: 90,000 points
*No surcharges
Taxes/fees (per person):
- One-way: $5.60
- Round-trip: ~$52
- Surcharges:
- One-way: ~$438
- Round-trip: ~$877
Alaska adds a $12.50 partner award booking fee.
Bank transfer partners:
- Alaska: Marriott
- American: Bilt, Marriott
- Asia Miles: Amex, Bilt, Citi, Capital One
- British Airways: Amex, Capital One, Chase, Marriott
- You can transfer Citi to Qatar then move Avios to British Airways
- Emirates: Amex, Bilt, Chase, Citi, Capital One, Marriott
- Flying Blue: Amex, Bilt, Chase, Citi, Capital One, Marriott
- Japan Airlines: Marriott
- Qantas: Amex, Citi, Marriott
Don't forget to let me know if you book and how you did it!
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Flight Experience
Japan Airlines has a reputation for great service so a business class flight should be more than enjoyable. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that JAL operates different aircraft to/from North America.
On the 777-300, you'll find find a business class cabin arranged in a 2-3-2 layout with Apex Suites. While a 2-3-2 layout might seem like a nightmare, each seat is lie-flat and has direct aisle access. Breathe easy. The window seats provide a ton of privacy and are preferred by many.
On the 787-9, you'll find a 2-2-2 layout. Again, each seat is lie-flat and has direct aisle access. Window seats are a favorite.
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Available Dates
The dates below have space for two people but many dates will have space for four and some will even have space for six.
LAX-TYO
July: 8, 22, 24, 26-29
August: 1, 7, 8, 10, 21, 23, 27, 28, 30
September: 19
October: 28
November: 2, 5-8,12-16
TYO-LAX
August: 16, 21, 27-30
September: 1, 7, 10, 11, 17, 25, 28
October: 2, 3, 5-7, 10, 11, 18, 19, 26 ,28-30
November: 4, 5-17
SFO-TYO
August: 1, 7, 8, 21-24, 28, 29
September: 4, 5, 11, 19
October: 26 30, 31
November: 1, 5-8, 11-15
TYO-SFO
August: 21, 25, 28-31
September: 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 18, 21, 26, 28, 29
October: 2, 3, 5, 11, 12, 17-19, 26, 29, 31
November: 2-17
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Best Ways To Book
American: Great Rates, No Surcharges, Transfer from Bilt
If you want to keep the cash cost of your ticket to a minimum, 60,000 AA miles is a great choice. Plus, you can transfer Bilt or Marriott points and put an award ticket on hold for up to 5 days.
You can include a domestic connection on American or Alaska if you don't live near one of these airports for no extra AA miles.
If you're a renter, the Bilt Card is pretty much a no brainer. You can earn up to 50,000 points on rent each year.
Alaska: Great Rates, No Surcharges, Free Stopover, Tough To Earn
You could also book with 60,000 Alaska miles one-way. On the plus side, you can include a stopover on a one-way award ticket. Alaska only allows you to include one partner on an award so you can only connect on Alaska.
Your only transfer option is Marriott so it's tough to earn the miles you need.
Asia Miles: More Points + Surcharges But Easier To Earn
The rate of 75,000 miles one-way is solid when you consider how easier they are to earn via several transfer partners. Please keep in mind that Asia Miles uses a different award chart if you fly on more than one partner airline which means non-stops are likely your best bet.
JAL Mileage Bank: Great Rate, Very Tough To Earn
JAL Mileage Bank allows you to book a one-way award for 50,000 miles but they're just so hard to earn unless you have a ton of Marriott points lying around waiting to be transferred.
Regardless of the program, remember that connections to other parts of Asia (particularly Southeast Asia) could increase the miles required.
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How To Book
- Go to AA's site
- Select Advanced / Multi-city search (just click this link)
- Select Redeem miles
- Select One way or Round trip
- Enter From & To cities
- Select departure date(s)
- Choose the number of passengers
- Select Class as Business/First
- Click Search
- If you're searching for a nonstop, select Calendar then sort by nonstop.
- Once you know which dates have JAL space, you can run a search from your home airport if you're not booking nonstop
If you're not booking with American miles, you can run a search with the program you're using once you find a date you want to book.
I did notice that Air France doesn't show the same award space online so you might have to call Flying Blue to book. I prefer to call the Spain (+34 91375 3096) or Germany (+49 (0) 69 867 98 106) call centers.
If you want to use Asia Miles and include a connection on American, you'll need to call (866-892-2598) to complete the booking.
To book with Emirates, you can call 800-777-3999.
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Final Thoughts
It's hard not to love Japan. From the food to the bullet trains to the natural beauty, there's something for everyone. Whether it's a quick trip to try some great food or you want to spend a couple of weeks exploring, you'll have fun!
If you go during baseball season, I strongly recommend going to a game.
Happy booking!
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