Redeeming Miles for Japanese First Class: A How-To Guide

To redeem miles for Japanese First Class, you must book All Nippon Airways (ANA) or Japan Airlines (JAL) through their own frequent flyer programs or partner alliances like Star Alliance and Oneworld. Securing these highly coveted seats requires booking exactly at the calendar release window (355 to 360 days out) or searching for last-minute availability within 14 days of departure.

Key Takeaways for Booking Success

• The Booking Windows: JAL opens awards 360 days out at 10:00 AM JST, while ANA opens bookings 355 days out at 9:00 AM JST.
• Best Transfer Partners: American Express Membership Rewards is best for ANA, while Bilt Rewards transfers 1:1 directly to JAL Mileage Bank.
• Strategic Award Sweet Spots: Virgin Atlantic offers a massive sweet spot for ANA flights, costing as little as 55,000 miles one-way from the West Coast.
• Close-In Availability: Both airlines reliably release unsold seats to partner programs within 14 days of departure.

Which airlines offer Japanese First Class?

Only All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) offer true international first class service between Japan and major global hubs. These premium cabins fly on key long-haul routes connecting Tokyo (Haneda and Narita) to major cities like New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), London (LHR), and Paris (CDG).

Deciding between these two legendary carriers depends on your preferred style of luxury and route network. For a comprehensive breakdown of the products, check out our deep-dive comparison of these cabins. Both airlines consistently win global awards for their ultra-premium products, but they approach luxury and cabin atmosphere with distinct operational identities.

Both carriers fly state-of-the-art aircraft on transpacific and transatlantic routes. ANA features "The Suite" on its select Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A380 fleets. JAL has introduced its ultra-luxurious Airbus A350-1000 first class suites alongside its classic Boeing 777-300ER cabins, providing modern spaces that rival top boutique hotels.

What makes Japanese First Class so special?

Japanese first class is widely considered the peak of commercial aviation luxury. Every element of the journey is tailored to offer maximum privacy, exceptional comfort, and a cultural immersion into Japanese hospitality.

The hard product is a major differentiator. To understand the physical cabins, read our detailed suite design comparison which outlines how each carrier handles layout, seat width, and privacy. ANA features massive 43-inch 4K screens and fully closing sliding doors. JAL’s newer Airbus A350 suites offer innovative headphone-free headrest speakers and deep storage compartments.

Culinary excellence is another hallmark of these premium products. From multi-course traditional Kaiseki menus to Western fine dining paired with legendary Champagnes like Krug or Salon, the food on board is world-class. You can explore the differences in our review of exquisite dining menus for both airlines.

The premium experience starts long before you step onto the aircraft. Both carriers provide customized airport services, including fast-track security, dedicated check-in lines, and lounge access. For a detailed look at pre-flight luxury, view our ground experience comparison. From relaxing massage chairs to high-end sake tastings, these spaces set the stage for an unforgettable flight.

Ultimately, the defining factor of both airlines is their onboard service. Grounded in the traditional Japanese concept of selfless hospitality, flight attendants anticipate your every need. Our analysis of the legendary Japanese hospitality highlights how this delicate service culture compares across both competitive airlines.

When do ANA and JAL release award seats?

To secure these highly sought-after seats, timing is everything. Because both airlines usually release only 1 to 2 first-class award seats per flight, you must be ready to book the moment the inventory drops.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) opens its booking schedule 355 days in advance. This inventory is released at exactly 9:00 AM Japan Standard Time (JST). If you are booking from the United States, this translates to the evening before.

• Eastern Time (ET): 8:00 PM (7:00 PM during Daylight Saving)
• Central Time (CT): 7:00 PM (6:00 PM during Daylight Saving)
• Pacific Time (PT): 5:00 PM (4:00 PM during Daylight Saving)

Japan Airlines (JAL) opens its schedule even earlier at 360 days in advance. This booking window opens at exactly 10:00 AM Japan Standard Time (JST). Just like ANA, US-based award searchers must log in the evening prior to book.

• Eastern Time (ET): 9:00 PM (8:00 PM during Daylight Saving)
• Central Time (CT): 8:00 PM (7:00 PM during Daylight Saving)
• Pacific Time (PT): 6:00 PM (5:00 PM during Daylight Saving)

Because of these staggered timelines, JAL seats can be booked slightly earlier than ANA seats. However, different frequent flyer programs have different access windows to this partner inventory, which we will detail below.

How do you book ANA First Class with miles?

Booking ANA First Class requires strategic knowledge of Star Alliance partner programs. Since ANA belongs to the Star Alliance, you have several loyalty programs to choose from, each with distinct pricing and transfer rules.

ANA Mileage Club: The most reliable way to book ANA First Class is through ANA’s own Mileage Club program. Because ANA Mileage Club has first access to its own seats at the 355-day mark, members face less competition. However, you must book round-trip awards as one-way bookings are not allowed. Points transferred from American Express take 2 to 3 days to post, and round-trips cost 150,000 to 165,000 miles.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: Virgin Atlantic is a non-alliance partner of ANA and historically offers one of the best sweet spots in the entire award travel ecosystem. It offers incredibly low mileage rates, and Virgin points transfer instantly from Chase, Amex, Citi, Capital One, and Bilt. However, Virgin Atlantic cannot search for or book seats until 330 days in advance, meaning ANA Mileage Club members get a 25-day head start. US West Coast to Tokyo costs only 55,000 to 72,500 Virgin points one-way, while US East Coast to Tokyo costs 85,000 points one-way.

Air Canada Aeroplan: Aeroplan is a major Star Alliance favorite for booking ANA flights due to its user-friendly website and lack of carrier-imposed surcharges. There are no fuel surcharges, and you can add a stopover in Tokyo for just 5,000 additional miles. Unfortunately, Aeroplan mileage rates are higher than ANA or Virgin Atlantic. A one-way First Class award typically costs 110,000 Aeroplan points from the US to Japan.

How do you book JAL First Class with miles?

Japan Airlines is a member of the Oneworld alliance. This allows you to book JAL First Class using JAL's own miles or partners like American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and British Airways.

JAL Mileage Bank: Using JAL’s own mileage program gives you the absolute best availability with exclusive access to seats 360 days out. JAL does not partner with Chase or Amex, but Bilt Rewards is a 1:1 flexible transfer partner, and Capital One transfers at a 2:1.5 ratio. JAL accounts have a strict 60-day restriction preventing new users from booking award tickets. A one-way First Class flight costs 70,000 JAL miles plus taxes and surcharges.

American Airlines AAdvantage: For those with American Airlines miles, this is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to book JAL First Class. This program offers incredible value, very low taxes and fees (often just $5.60), and easy online booking. However, AA miles are difficult to earn without AA credit cards, as they do not transfer from major credit card programs except Marriott Bonvoy. A one-way First Class award costs just 80,000 AAdvantage miles between the US and Japan.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Alaska Airlines is a highly valuable Oneworld partner that offers competitive redemption rates on JAL. You can book a free stopover in Tokyo on a one-way award ticket, which is a massive perk. However, Alaska miles are relatively hard to earn compared to flexible currencies, and partner booking windows are restricted compared to JAL's own program. Redemptions generally range from 70,000 to 110,000 Alaska miles one-way depending on the distance flown.

How can you find and book last-minute award space?

If you cannot plan 11 to 12 months in advance, you can still book Japanese First Class using "close-in" availability. Both ANA and JAL routinely release unsold first-class seats to partner programs within 14 days of departure. This strategy requires high flexibility and a willingness to travel at a moment's notice.

To find these last-minute seats, you must use modern award search tools and remain highly flexible. Services like Seats.aero, Roame.travel, and Point.me let you scan availability daily across multiple airlines. For the best chance of success, be prepared to book a flight departing within 24 to 72 hours.

Another critical tip is to book a business class ticket first. If you secure a business class award ticket in advance, you can monitor first-class availability daily. If a first-class seat opens up close to departure, you can pay the difference in miles to upgrade your ticket. This minimizes your risk while keeping the dream of a first-class suite alive.

What steps should you take next to secure your booking?

Earning the points is only half the battle; executing the search and booking requires a methodical approach. Follow this checklist to ensure you do not miss your chance:

1. Create your loyalty accounts today: Set up your ANA Mileage Club and JAL Mileage Bank accounts immediately to avoid the 60-day new account booking lockout.
2. Amass flexible transfer points: Focus on earning American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Bilt Rewards.
3. Set a calendar alarm: If booking 11-12 months out, calculate the exact release date and set an alarm for the evening prior at 9:00 PM ET (JAL) or 8:00 PM ET (ANA).
4. Use award search engines: Set up alerts on flight search tools to notify you the instant a seat becomes available.
5. Confirm before you transfer: Always locate the award seat on the partner airline's search tool before transferring your flexible credit card points, as transfers are permanent.

To begin your journey, sign up for your frequent flyer accounts today, audit your credit card point balances, and begin tracking award seats on your desired travel dates.