How to Score Business Class Seats from Japan to the USA for Just a Fraction of the Price!

How to Score Business Class Seats from Japan to the USA for Just a Fraction of the Price! - Leverage Airline Mileage Programs

One of the best ways to score business class seats from Japan to the USA without breaking the bank is to leverage airline mileage programs. These loyalty programs offered by airlines allow members to earn miles or points on flights and other purchases, which can then be redeemed for free flights and upgrades. This represents an excellent opportunity to experience premium cabins at a fraction of the normal cash price.

For flights between Japan and the US, the two airline programs that offer the best options are ANA Mileage Club and JAL Mileage Bank. Both airlines fly direct routes between major cities in each country, with excellent business class products. The key is to strategically earn or transfer points into these programs and watch for reward availability.

For example, American Express Membership Rewards points transfer directly to ANA at a 1:1 ratio. Many people earn loads of MR points through welcome bonuses and spending on cards like the Platinum and Gold. 100,000 MR points would be enough for a one-way business class award ticket from Tokyo to New York.

Meanwhile, JAL is a transfer partner of Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott points transfer to JAL at a 3:1 ratio, plus a 5,000 mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred. This makes it feasible to put together an award ticket with a reasonable amount of hotel stays.

The award charts for ANA and JAL are zone-based, so business class seats from Japan to the continental US cost 75,000-80,000 miles each way. While not cheap, this pales in comparison to the $5,000+ cash fares typically charged. With a little strategizing, it's possible to pick up one or two round-trip business class tickets for not much more than a single paid economy ticket.

Being flexible with your travel dates also improves your chances of finding business class award space. Flights with light bookings will naturally have more seats available for mileage redemptions. Checking regularly for space opening up due to cancellations can score you last-minute seats as well.