Best Airline for Award Travel to Japan

Want to maximize your award redemptions and get to one the most popular city in Asia? That’s right Japan!

Japan is famous for its rich history and culture which in turn makes it a perfect tourist destination. Not to mention the award travel upon frequent flier miles. Travel distance to Japan from North America is much further than most flights to Europe, and yet the travel awards can be compared in more than one way.
Japan forms part of the “North Asia” award zone chart along with neighboring countries such as China, however while this may be true typically, it’s not always the case.

This article should help choose the best airline for award travel to Japan.

The challenge is to choose the best transfer partner so you spend the least amount of points while minimizing fuel surcharges.

A crucial thing to remember while choosing a transfer partner is to book connecting flights beyond Tokyo while on your way to Japan.
It is essential to remember that while booking an award flight from North America to Japan keep in mind the following costs:
economy class approximately $1,500 to $2,500.
Business class approximately $5,000 to $8,000.
First class approximately start with around $8,000 and can hike op to $10,000 and even $20,000.

Best Starwood Transfer Partners

Star Alliance being one of the leading global airline networks, has ANA Japan Airlines on its list. The lowest mileage with Star Alliance are the Seattle and Vancouver ones which start at about 40,000 miles (off peak time) and can go up to 60,000. As for the rest of the country it’s about 45-65,000 miles depending on the traveling season.

If you are traveling via business class then star Alliance offers award ranging between 90,000 to 110,000 among most US countries depending again upon the traveling season.

However, if you choose to travel in class via first class, in Star Alliance, ANA offers you partner award flights ranging from 120,000 to extreme northwest locations with 140,000 miles.

American Express Membership Award

If you choose to travel business class then Star Alliance ANA is still your best option, providing miles from 90,000 to 110,000 along with fuel surcharges. If however you travel first class then, again your best bet is ANA with miles starting from 120,000 to 140,000 with fuel surcharges.