As international travel surges in 2025, Japan has once again become a magnet for global tourists seeking rich culture, exquisite cuisine, and historical wonders. For travelers heading to the Land of the Rising Sun, the journey itself matters as much as the destination. Selecting the best airline to fly to Japan can make a significant difference in comfort, service quality, and overall experience. Based on current industry standards, seat configurations, amenities, and loyalty program advantages, we present the most definitive guide on the top airlines to consider when flying to Japan.
Japan Airlines (JAL): The Ultimate Flagship Experience
Japan Airlines (JAL) remains a top-tier choice for international travel to Japan. Known for its refined service and outstanding in-flight comfort, JAL is renowned globally for prioritizing passenger satisfaction.
Its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet features just eight seats per row in economy, offering more spacious seating than the typical nine-across layout. This configuration, combined with a generous 33 inches of seat pitch, defines JAL’s economy seats — aptly branded “Sky Wider.”
Moving up the cabin, JAL’s premium economy ranks among the best in the world. With increased legroom, enhanced seat recline, and an elevated meal service, this cabin class bridges the comfort gap for cost-conscious premium travelers. For those seeking opulence, JAL’s business and first class cabins are designed with privacy, lie-flat beds, and haute Japanese cuisine in mind.
All Nippon Airways (ANA): Precision and Elegance in the Skies
Fellow Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) is a formidable contender, especially in premium cabins. Its meticulous attention to detail, award-winning cabin designs, and a service model rooted in Japanese hospitality elevate it among the elite.
ANA’s “The Room” business class suite has set new standards globally. With a near two-meter-long bed, privacy partitions, and gourmet dining, it provides a boutique hotel experience at 35,000 feet. ANA’s economy class is equally respectable, offering ergonomic seating and excellent inflight entertainment.
From check-in to landing, ANA excels in operational efficiency and on-time performance, making it ideal for punctual travelers.
Singapore Airlines: A Hidden Gem via Fifth Freedom Route
Though not a Japanese carrier, Singapore Airlines surprises many travelers by operating a Fifth Freedom flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo Narita. This often-overlooked route provides an opportunity to experience one of the world’s most esteemed airlines at a competitive rate.
Travelers benefit from Singapore Airlines’ legendary service, from courteous multilingual cabin crew to expertly curated inflight meals. Cabins are impeccably designed, and in premium classes, seats convert into wide beds with luxurious bedding.
Economy passengers on this route still enjoy premium perks — including large seat-back screens, USB charging, and high-quality meals.
Delta Air Lines: Best U.S.-Based Option to Japan
Among U.S. carriers, Delta Air Lines stands out for trans-Pacific routes to Japan. Delta’s investment in cabin upgrades and enhanced onboard services now reflects in its Delta One Suites, available on flights to Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT).
Economy passengers are treated to premium touches such as hot towels, Bellinis, and amenity kits, elevating the standard coach experience. Delta’s Premium Select cabin, introduced on many Japan-bound flights, offers enhanced recline, leg rests, and priority boarding.
Delta’s strong operational footprint and integration with Tokyo Haneda’s modern terminal infrastructure add to the seamless travel experience.
Booking with Points and Miles: Best Value Airlines
When leveraging loyalty programs and transferable points, the value proposition shifts. The airlines offering the best award redemption rates to Japan differ slightly from those leading in paid fares.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
ANA is unmatched in award redemption value. A round-trip in economy can be booked for 40,000 miles, while business class goes for just 75,000 miles on off-peak dates through ANA Mileage Club. Points transfer easily from American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy, making ANA highly accessible.
For one-way flights, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers unbeatable value: 30,000 points in economy or 45,000 in business from the U.S. West Coast to Japan.
Japan Airlines (JAL)
Miles collectors can benefit by booking JAL flights through Alaska Mileage Plan, where one-way business class redemptions to Japan start at 60,000 miles. This includes the ability to stop over in Tokyo en route to other Asian destinations at no extra cost.
Alternatively, JAL Mileage Bank offers some of the lowest redemption levels in the market: 25,000 miles in economy, 50,000 in business, and 70,000 in first class — all one-way rates.
American Airlines
While not a standout in service, American Airlines AAdvantage remains strong for award availability. Flights to Japan can be booked for 32,500 miles in economy and 60,000 in Flagship Business on off-peak dates.
More strategic travelers can utilize Etihad Guest miles to book AA flights at lower redemption rates — 25,000 miles in economy, though booking must be made by phone.
United Airlines
United Airlines MileagePlus provides solid redemption options, especially when booked with Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Economy award flights start at 35,000 miles each way, and business class redemptions are available for 70,000 miles with limited taxes and surcharges.
While availability can be scarce, United’s Star Alliance partnership with ANA provides indirect access to Japan at reduced costs — especially through Aeroplan or ANA’s own Mileage Club.
Final Verdict: Which Airline Is Best?
When evaluating both paid fares and award redemptions, Japan Airlines and ANA dominate due to their exceptional service, generous seat configurations, and extensive route networks between Japan and North America.
However, for travelers based in Los Angeles or Seattle, Singapore Airlines and Delta offer compelling experiences with competitive pricing and modern cabin designs. Meanwhile, award travelers can extract enormous value through Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Mileage Plan, and ANA Mileage Club depending on points availability and travel timing.
Ultimately, the best airline to fly to Japan depends on whether your priority is luxury, affordability, or maximizing your points and miles. Fortunately, with the reopening of Japan and increased flight frequency, travelers now have more flexibility — and more ways — to fly better.
FAQ
What is the most comfortable economy class to Japan?
Japan Airlines offers the most comfortable economy class due to its 8-abreast seating on Boeing 787 aircraft and 33-inch seat pitch, marketed as “Sky Wider”. ANA follows closely behind with ergonomically designed seating.
Can I fly to Japan using travel points or miles?
Yes. Top programs include ANA Mileage Club, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Alaska Mileage Plan, and AAdvantage. ANA offers the lowest round-trip award pricing, while Virgin and Alaska offer excellent one-way redemptions.
Is Singapore Airlines a good choice for flying to Japan?
Absolutely. Through its Fifth Freedom flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo, Singapore Airlines offers a luxurious long-haul experience even though it’s not Japan-based. It’s ideal for travelers seeking premium service en route to Japan.
