I’ve been obsessed with finding the best flights to Tokyo for longer than I’d like to admit. Between tracking airline updates, comparing business class products, and monitoring award availability, I’ve turned flight research into something close to a hobby. I genuinely enjoy figuring out which airlines are worth your money and which ones are coasting on reputation.
For this 2026 guide, I researched every carrier flying to Tokyo, compared aircraft types across hundreds of routes, and explored loyalty programs to see which ones offer the best value. What follows is my ranking of the ten best airlines for flying to Tokyo. I’d recommend all ten, but for very different reasons. Some have service that makes 13 hours feel easy. Others offer award space when everyone else is sold out.
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1. 🇯🇵 Japan Airlines (JAL)
- 🏠 Hubs: Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT)
- ✈️ Best For: Premium service, authentic Japanese hospitality, connecting through Asia
- 💵 Price Point: Premium
- 🎁 Loyalty Program: JAL Mileage Bank (Oneworld)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book their A350-1000 on flights from New York, LA, Dallas, London, or Paris for the newest cabin with doors in business class
I flew JAL’s A350-1000 from JFK to Haneda last spring, and I’m still thinking about it. The business class suites have sliding doors, giving you a private pod better than most hotel rooms. By March 2026, they’ll have 11 of these planes in the fleet, and they’re deploying them on all the major routes.
The food is where JAL really shines. Business class gets kaiseki meals that rival actual restaurants in Tokyo. Economy passengers get multi-course service with proper Japanese options, not the sad tray situation you find on most carriers.
JAL is expanding for 2026 with the Narita to Delhi route coming back in January after six years. They’re also adding Melbourne flights and strengthening their Oneworld connections. Their domestic network hits over 60 Japanese cities if you need to go beyond Tokyo.
Fares run high, especially in premium cabins. But for a 12 hour flight across the Pacific, the comfort and service make the price tag easier to swallow. JAL earned the top spot because they consistently deliver the best experience flying into Tokyo.
- Read next: Japan Airlines Business Class Review
2. 🇯🇵 All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- 🏠 Hubs: Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT)
- ✈️ Best For: Modern aircraft, Star Alliance connections, consistent quality
- 💵 Price Point: Premium
- 🎁 Loyalty Program: ANA Mileage Club (Star Alliance)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly “The Room” business class on 787s for sliding doors and ridiculous amounts of personal space
If I’m flying from the U.S. to Tokyo and want the whole trip to feel smooth rather than like a long-haul endurance test, ANA is usually where I start. From cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago and New York JFK, you can fly nonstop into Tokyo, often straight into Haneda. This makes a huge difference to how fast you’re in the city and showered.
Cabin-wise, economy is genuinely decent for such a long flight. There’s better-than-average legroom and Japanese-style meals that don’t feel like an afterthought. If you’re splurging, the real target is business on the 777-300ER with The Room suites on routes like JFK–Haneda and some San Francisco and Chicago flights. Here, you get a full-door mini-suite and a bed that actually feels like a bed.
For miles and points people, ANA can be a sweet spot. You can either earn directly with ANA Mileage Club or move Amex Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy points across. A fun hack is using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to book ANA business class from the U.S. to Japan for far fewer miles than many U.S. programs charge, if you’re organised enough to grab space early.
- Read next: Best Places in Japan for Digital Nomads
- Read more: 12 Stunning Hidden Gems in Japan
- You may also like: Top Airlines in Japan
3. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines
- 🏠 Hubs: Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis (MSP), Seattle (SEA)
- ✈️ Best For: US domestic connections, Haneda convenience, SkyMiles flexibility
- 💵 Price Point: Mid to Premium
- 🎁 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles (SkyTeam)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Delta flies exclusively to Haneda, not Narita, saving you up to two hours getting into central Tokyo
Delta operates more US cities to Tokyo Haneda than any other American carrier. They offer flights from Atlanta, Detroit, LA, Minneapolis, Seattle, and Honolulu. That Haneda access is valuable because you’re 30 minutes from central Tokyo instead of dealing with Narita’s 90 minute slog. Trust me, that time saving makes a real difference when you land jet lagged.
Delta One Suites on their A350s to Tokyo are solid with lie flat seats and decent food service. The suites have sliding doors for privacy and enough space to work or sleep comfortably. Economy gets you standard US carrier experience with seatback entertainment and complimentary meals. Their Sky Club at Haneda is spacious with Mount Fuji views on clear days and a noodle bar that’s worth arriving early for.
The big advantage with Delta is flexibility in departure cities. If you’re not near a major gateway like New York or LA, Delta’s domestic network makes it easier to connect from smaller US cities without multiple stops. Their partnership with Korean Air also gives you options if you want to break up the journey with a Seoul stopover.
SkyMiles never expire and transfer from Amex at a 1:1 ratio. Delta runs flash sales on Tokyo routes fairly often if you’re flexible with dates. The service won’t blow you away like Japanese carriers, but Delta delivers reliable transport with convenient Haneda access at more reasonable fares.
- Read next: Affordable Flights from Atlanta
- Read more: 9 Cheapest Airports to Fly Into New York
4. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Doha Hamad (DOH)
- ✈️ Best For: Qsuite business class, premium service, connecting via Middle East
- 💵 Price Point: Premium
- 🎁 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club (Oneworld)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Qsuite routes from major US cities through Doha to Tokyo for sliding doors and the ability to create double beds in business class
Qatar Airways consistently wins awards for their Qsuite business class, and after flying it from LA to Tokyo via Doha, I understand why. The suites have sliding doors for complete privacy, and the center seats can convert into a double bed if you’re traveling with someone. It’s closer to first class than traditional business, with face to face seating options if you want to dine with a companion.
The Doha connection adds time to your journey, around 18 to 19 hours total versus 11 hours nonstop from the US. But Hamad International Airport makes layovers almost pleasant with the Al Maha lounge service that escorts you through the terminal. The airport itself has proper hotels, pools, and high end shopping if you’ve got a longer connection to kill.
Service is exceptional across all cabins with attentive crews who nail the small details. The food in business rivals what you get on JAL or ANA with both Western and regional meal options. Economy gets you Qatar’s standard solid service with decent meals and comfortable seats, though nothing groundbreaking for the price.
Qatar flies to both Tokyo Haneda and Narita from Doha with Qsuite equipped A350s on most flights. The Privilege Club program partners with American Airlines for easy award bookings if you’ve got AAdvantage miles. If you value the Qsuite experience over flight time and don’t mind the Doha stop, Qatar delivers one of the best business class products flying.
INSIDER TIP: Again, I highly recommend signing up for Going.com (Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find the best deals. Last year, I got an email alert on a $690 roundtrip fare from Boston to Tokyo with Japan Air. The premium version is 100% worth the money, but I would at least sign up for the free version to save big on airfare this year.
5. 🇸🇬 Singapore Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Singapore Changi (SIN)
- ✈️ Best For: Luxury service, connecting via Singapore, next-gen cabins launching 2026
- 💵 Price Point: Premium to Ultra-Premium
- 🎁 Loyalty Program: KrisFlyer (Star Alliance)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book the LAX to Tokyo Narita fifth freedom route for Singapore’s service without flying all the way to Asia first
Singapore Airlines operates one of those rare fifth freedom flights from LA to Tokyo Narita, which means you get their legendary service on a route that doesn’t touch Singapore at all. I’ve taken this twice now, and it’s a great way to experience what makes Singapore special without the extra mileage. The 777-300ER on this route features their 2013 First Class, which is still excellent even if it’s not the newest Suites product.
The big news for 2026 is their $1.1 billion cabin retrofit rolling out. New business class with sliding doors debuts in Q2 2026 on A350s, plus an all-new first class launching in 2027 on ultra long haul routes. They’re also adding Starlink WiFi, which should finally bring their connectivity up to speed with competitors.
Service is consistently top tier across all cabins. The crew seems to care about getting things right, and the food quality beats most competitors. Economy gets real meals with choices, and premium economy offers solid value if business is sold out. The KrisFlyer program transfers from Amex, Chase, and most major card programs, making award bookings accessible.
Singapore flies to Tokyo Haneda and Narita with multiple daily options via their hub. You’re adding a connection, but Changi Airport makes layovers almost pleasant with free city tours if you’ve got time. For premium cabin seekers, Singapore belongs on your shortlist, especially once those new products launch next year.
6. 🇺🇸 American Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Dallas (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX)
- ✈️ Best For: JAL partnership, Dallas hub convenience, premium seat expansion 2026
- 💵 Price Point: Mid to Premium
- 🎁 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage (Oneworld)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Citi ThankYou points transfer 1:1 to AAdvantage. Book JAL flights with AA miles for better award availability than using JAL’s own program
American only flies to Tokyo from Dallas and LA, but the JAL partnership saves it. Dallas gets daily 777-300ER service to Haneda starting March 2026. LA runs twice daily with 777-200s. If you live in Texas or Southern California you get nonstop access, then JAL connects you anywhere in Japan.
The Dallas route is getting completely rebuilt in 2026 with 70 Flagship Suite business class seats featuring sliding doors. That’s more business seats than United or Delta put on their widebodies. The retrofit also keeps eight Flagship First seats if you want actual first class, which United and Delta don’t offer anymore. LA’s flights keep the older business class without doors until their aircraft get updated.
American Airlines business class uses reverse herringbone seats with direct aisle access and lie flat beds. The product sits between United’s declining food quality and what Japanese carriers serve. When the new Flagship Suites launch you’ll get privacy doors and way more space.
The real value is booking JAL flights using AAdvantage miles. Award space on JAL through American is easier to find than going through JAL’s own program. That Oneworld partnership lets you fly American to Tokyo then connect domestically on JAL without juggling separate bookings or leaving the alliance.
American’s two city limitation frustrates me but the JAL partnership delivers. Citi ThankYou transfers at 1:1 and business awards run 60,000 to 80,000 miles. If you’re based in Dallas or LA with Citi points, this beats dealing with United’s bigger network.
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7. 🇺🇸 United Airlines
- ✈️ Hub: Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington D.C.
- 🎯 Best For: Extensive US departure cities, ANA partnership, Polaris consistency
- 💰 Price Point: Mid to Premium
- 🏆 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus (Star Alliance)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt points 1:1 to MileagePlus instead of buying miles at 3.5 cents each
United flies to Tokyo from seven US cities. Chicago, Denver, Houston, LA, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington all get daily service. If you live in the Midwest or mountain states, you can skip the domestic connection and head straight across the Pacific. That alone saves half a day compared to routing through coastal hubs first.
The ANA partnership separates United from Delta and American. Delta has no Japanese partner so your trip ends in Tokyo unless you book separate tickets. United connects with ANA to reach 60+ Japanese cities on one booking. Flying to Kyoto after Tokyo means checking your bag straight through and clearing customs once instead of dealing with domestic airline transfers.
Polaris business class does what it needs to without being memorable. The seats go fully flat and the bedding from Saks Fifth Avenue works well for sleeping. United keeps the same configuration across their whole widebody fleet, so you always know what you’re getting. The food has gotten noticeably worse though, even with preordered Japanese meals.
Chicago, LA, Newark, San Francisco, and Washington fly to Haneda. Denver and Houston use Narita. The Haneda routes put you 30 minutes from central Tokyo instead of 90 minutes. MileagePlus transfers instantly from Chase Ultimate Rewards at 1:1. Business awards run 80,000 to 100,000 miles. I recommend United when you need departure options beyond the coasts or plan to visit multiple Japanese cities on one trip.
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Japan
- Read more: 12 Stunning Hidden Gems in San Francisco
8. 🇨🇦 Air Canada
- 🏠 Hub: Vancouver (YVR), Toronto (YYZ)
- ✈️ Best For: Canadian connections, Signature Suite lounges, Star Alliance redemptions
- 💵 Price Point: Mid to Premium
- 🎁 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan (Star Alliance)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Transfer Chase, Amex, Capital One, or Bilt points 1:1 to Aeroplan. Vancouver to Tokyo is often cheaper than US departures
Air Canada flies to Tokyo from Vancouver and Toronto. Vancouver is the better option with a 9 hour crossing versus Toronto’s 13 hour haul. If you’re in Western Canada or the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver beats connecting through US hubs.
Signature Class business uses reverse herringbone seats on 787s and 777s with lie flat beds. The seats work fine for sleeping and the entertainment selection is good. Food quality sits between US carriers and Japanese airlines. The Signature Suite lounges in Vancouver and Toronto are excellent with chef prepared meals. I’d rank them above United’s Polaris lounges and they’re worth showing up early for.
Aeroplan is why Air Canada ranks here despite limited departure cities. You can transfer points from Chase, Amex, Capital One, or Bilt at 1:1. Award availability on Air Canada to Tokyo is reasonable if you search flexible dates. You can also book ANA domestically through Aeroplan or connect on other Star Alliance partners.
The service won’t blow you away like Japanese carriers but the crews are friendly and professional. Economy gets standard meals and seatback entertainment. Premium economy offers decent value on the long Toronto route.
Air Canada works best when you’re already in Canada or live near Vancouver. The shorter Pacific crossing from Vancouver and access to those Signature Suite lounges are legitimate advantages. If you collect points from multiple programs, Aeroplan’s transfer flexibility makes booking straightforward.
9. 🇫🇷 Air France
- 🏠 Hub: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- ✈️ Best For: Paris connections, La Premiere first class, European stopover to Tokyo
- 💵 Price Point: Mid to Premium
- 🎁 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (SkyTeam)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Transfer Amex, Chase, Capital One, Citi, or Bilt at 1:1 to Flying Blue. Book free stopovers in Paris for up to 12 months on award tickets
Air France works brilliantly if you’re planning Europe and Asia together. The Paris connection lets you build a stopover into your ticket for free, which saves you from booking two separate trips. Flight time from Paris to Tokyo runs 13 hours. If you’re coming from the US East Coast, expect 18 to 20 hours total including the connection.
Business class on updated 777-300ERs features sliding doors rolling out through 2026. I’d verify your aircraft type before booking because older configurations lack doors and the difference matters for overnight flights. The food tastes French with proper cheese courses and an excellent wine selection.
La Premiere first class, which launched to Tokyo Haneda in December 2025, ranks among the world’s best cabins. These feature private suites with separate chaise lounges that convert to beds. Round trip fares hit $13,000 but you’re getting a product that competes with Emirates and JAL for top honors. If you value space and privacy over saving money, this delivers.
Flying Blue accepts transfers from every major credit card program at 1:1 ratios. Business awards to Tokyo run 60,000 to 80,000 miles depending on dates. Check monthly Promo Rewards for occasional 25% discounts. The free Paris stopover is brilliant for building longer trips without paying double.
Air France works when you want Paris and Tokyo combined or you’re targeting that La Premiere experience. Don’t pick this if you just want the fastest way from LA to Tokyo. Pick it when the journey matters as much as the destination.
- Read next: Picture-Perfect Spots in Tokyo
10. 🇰🇷 Korean Air
- 🏠 Hub: Seoul Incheon (ICN)
- ✈️ Best For: Premium Asian service, Seoul stopover, new Prestige Suites 2.0
- 💵 Price Point: Mid to Premium
- 🎁 Loyalty Program: SkyPass (SkyTeam)
- 🧠 Pro Tip: SkyPass is nearly impossible to earn without flying. Book through Delta SkyMiles or Air France Flying Blue instead for way better value.
Korean Air gets slept on for flights to Tokyo, and I don’t understand why. The service rivals JAL and ANA, pricing sits below both, and Seoul makes an incredible stopover city. I’ve watched travelers obsess over Japanese carriers while ignoring Korean Air, which delivers nearly identical quality for less money.
The hardware matters, so pay attention to what you’re booking. The new Prestige Suites 2.0 on 787-10s feature sliding doors, massive 4K screens, and proper privacy in a 1-2-1 layout. The older A380 business class uses 2-2-2 seating with zero privacy. Verify your plane type before booking because the difference is massive.
Service justifies Korean Air’s spot on this list. Flight attendants stay attentive without hovering, and they seem genuinely happy to help. The food is excellent with real Korean options instead of generic fusion attempts. The cabin stays clean throughout long hauls, which matters more than you’d think.
The route network covers 11 US cities plus major hubs across Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Seoul’s airport runs efficiently and the city makes an incredible stopover between flights. The food scene alone justifies spending a day or two there.
Here’s why Korean Air ranks tenth. The SkyPass loyalty program is terrible for earning miles. No transfers from Chase, Amex, Citi, or Capital One, and Marriott transfers at 3:1. Credit flights to Delta or Air France instead.
Pick Korean Air when you care more about the flying experience than accumulating points. You’ll get Japanese-level service at lower prices. I rank it tenth purely because that loyalty program frustrates me, but the flying experience is legitimately excellent.
- Read more: Scott’s Cheap Flights Review
- Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Asia
