Japan is a popular destination for international travel.
Depending on where you are traveling, your flight to Japan can last 14 hours or longer, not including any layovers. So you may want to have a comfortable trip for the duration of your travel experience.
That is where this list comes in: the top five airlines to fly to Japan from the USA.
Consider the airline’s baggage policies, entertainment offerings, seats, and service best for your budget.
There are certain features of the top five airlines to fly. These include:
Comfort and room to stretch legs: adequate comfort and space are paramount for long-haul international flights.
Customer Service: No one wants an unpleasant experience on a long flight.
Entertainment: Movies, television, music, and Wi-Fi comprise in-flight entertainment on flights. Some even include newspapers and magazines.
A Good Ticket Price. Getting a reasonable price may be more challenging for some airlines and flights. But you aim to strike a balance between price and quality. Your resourcefulness comes into play here. There are several ways to reduce or even eliminate the cost of your trip.
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Inflight Meals: The airline staff should ensure you are fed well during your flight.
Some flights on this list offer incredible food, even in economy class.
The airlines listed below have some solid combination of this list or even all these features.
Below are the top five airlines to fly to Japan from the United States. Admittedly, the first two are the top choices to fly to Japan. Use this article to choose a flight to get you to Japan.
The Top Five Airlines to Japan
1. All Nippon Airlines (ANA)
Why it is a solid option:
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is Japan’s largest airline. Japan Airlines (JAL) fans will say both airlines are rivals. But ANA is the only airline in Japan considered a five-star airline by SkyTrax, for its high-quality airport, onboard product, and staff service. Flyers in the press and social media agree.
SkyTrax says the following about its five-star rating:
“To achieve a top 5-Star rating, the staff service or product standards must be either meeting or setting global best practice for the item under evaluation. For product analysis this is a clear, tangible item, and for service assessment we look for all aspects of excellence support by true consistency. (It is not necessary for an airline to achieve 5-Star for every element of the rating criteria)”
2. Japan Airlines (JAL)
Japan Airlines (JAL) is Japan’s second-largest carrier and rival to ANA. They were recently awarded the Best Economy Class Airline Seat 2021 at the Skytrax Awards.
Flyers say the plane has a very comfortable seat with sizeable measurements. Food quality is as good. The service on the aircraft is fabled.
Here is a Trip Advisor review from a recent passenger on JAL:
“I am a regular customer with JAL and never have I been disappointed. The crew were professional, polite and helpful, the food was more delicious than you’d expect from an economy class product on a flight and the selection of entertainment was more than enough to keep you entertained for the flight. Two full meals and two snacks (ice cream and dorayaki – this seems to be standard on Japan Airlines).
“On the other hand, the seats are quite firm and perhaps a bit uncomfortable to move around in on a 13-hour flight – JAL appears to use the same seats on its longest international flights as well as its shorter domestic flights…Plenty of legroom though and seats are very wide. Recline is also somewhat good.”
“I’d recommend Japan Airlines to you if you’re travelling from Europe to Japan. Compared to B.A. and ANA that I’ve also flown with to Japan, JAL seems to be the best in economy class.”
3. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. Skytrax and fliers have ranked this airline as one of the best, and in Skytrax’s case, the best airline. This airline took the top spot in a global survey of more than 20 million travelers.
Here is a Trip Advisor review about a trip to Japan via Singapore and flying Singapore Airlines:
“Flying to Tokyo via Singapore and back from Osaka via Singapore adds about six hours to the journey but I’m glad we chose Singapore Airlines. The price was very good and the service on all the three different planes an Airbus A380, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner was excellent.
“On the flights from London to Singapore and back we paid extra for seats with additional leg room and this was a really good idea as we were seated by an emergency exit with plenty of room in front.”
“In flight entertainment choice was excellent and the meals good – although the breakfast choices were not to my liking. Crew were attentive, smiley and welcoming. All flights arrived ahead of schedule and Changi Airport in Singapore is one of the best to fly into and out of and for transit.”
4. United
Need a cheaper option? Well, the next two options – United and Delta might fit your budget. First, United. U.S. airlines tend to boast cheaper prices than international airline counterparts – especially All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines. Prices can be as low as $800 roundtrip in Economy depending on the time of the year.
“Fantastic trip! I was sure that a 12-hour nonstop would be hell on earth! Was pleasantly surprised to find that the flight was great. We were well attended and everyone of the crew were really nice. Ample leg room (I’m 5′ 10″). Pillows and blankets without asking. Tasty and hot food twice with snacks available anytime. I will fly United again!”
5. Delta
Delta has a unique history. The company began as a company that dusted crops called Huff Daland Dusters, founded in 1925.
As recently as 2019, the company started nonstop service to Osaka-Kansai (KIX), Japan in partnership with Korean Air.
Travelers tend to say international flights on Delta are at least decent – even in economy class. Attendants serve typical international flight meals at various points of the journey. Passengers report being well-fed and hydrated during the flight.
Recently, Delta will restart its service from Los Angeles to Haneda on October 30, 2022. Service is three times weekly and then daily starting December 1, 2022. A Haneda to Honolulu route will also begin on December 1, 2022.
Furthermore, Delta opened a new Delta Sky Club at Haneda on July 29, 2022.
Flights to Tokyo depart from locations across the U.S., including Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Seattle.
Here is a Trip advisor review for Delta:
“I flew Delta from JFK via Chicago earlier this year (so not that recently). It was what you’d expect from a U.S. airliner. Cheap and no frills.
“As stated above, it was Delta. It will take you to your destination. Flight meal was the usual chicken or beef stuff (I think) and fatty tomato pasta (it does its job- fills up your stomach). Flight attendants were not rude at all (but not very attentive, either).
If you don’t mind taking Singapore Airlines or any of Skytrax 4-star Asian airliners for an additional fee, it’s recommended to do so. If you prefer a budget airliner, Delta is fine.”
Conclusion
You have some options for your United States to Japan trip. Your choice depends on your availability, budget, and personal preference.
If your budget can accommodate the higher prices of an Asian airline like ANA, JAL, or Singapore Airlines, then go for it. Delta and United are good choices if you need to get from point A to point B.
If you are planning a trip right now, these articles will be helpful:
• What to know before travelling to Japan
• Japan visa FAQ
• Tokyo first time tips
• Helpful Japanese phrases
