Deal Alert: Japan Award Flights from 35k Points (LAX-Tokyo, Multiple Dates Available)
The Deal
Excellent award space has opened up for non-stop flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo Haneda! You can snag economy seats for just 35,000 American Airlines miles one-way – that's a value of 2.13¢ per point when compared to the $750 cash price. With Citi's transfer partnership, these Japan redemptions are now more accessible than ever.
Key Details
- Route: Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) (Other Departure Airports are available)
- Normal Cash Value: $750 one-way
- Award Price: 35,000 American Airlines miles
- Value Per Point: 2.13¢ (excellent for economy!)
- Taxes & Fees: $6 outbound, $51 return
- Transfer Source: Citi ThankYou Points (1:1 ratio)
- Booking Window: August 2025 through June 2026
Why This Matters
This is one of the best economy redemption values you'll find to Japan. At 2.13¢ per point, you're getting solid value that beats most domestic flights. The extensive date availability (over 100 departure dates!) gives you unprecedented flexibility for planning that dream Japan trip.
Japan award space typically disappears fast, especially on direct routes from major West Coast cities. With American Airlines now a Citi transfer partner, you don't need to worry about Chase Ultimate Rewards availability or Amex transfer bonuses – you can access these flights directly through your Citi credit card strategy.
Plus, you'll enjoy free changes and cancellations, so you can book now and adjust later without penalty.
How to Get This Deal
- Check availability first – Use American Airlines' website to verify your preferred dates
- Transfer points – Move your Citi ThankYou Points to American Airlines (transfers are instant)
- Book immediately – Award space can vanish within hours on popular routes
Pro tip: Don't transfer until you've confirmed the award space is bookable. Transfers are irreversible!
Sample Available Dates
Peak Availability Windows:
- August-September 2025: Perfect for avoiding summer crowds
- November-December 2025: Excellent for fall foliage season
- January-March 2026: Ideal for cherry blossom planning
- April-June 2026: Spring travel opportunities
You can mix and match any departure date with any return date – complete flexibility for trip planning.
Fine Print to Know
- Award space changes frequently and isn't guaranteed
- Some flights operate on American Airlines, others on JAL
- Both Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) may have availability
- Book one-way tickets for maximum flexibility
Similar Deals to Consider
If this route sells out, keep an eye on:
- San Francisco to Tokyo – Often has similar availability patterns
- Seattle to Tokyo – Good alternative with Alaska Airlines partnerships
- Vancouver to Tokyo – Sometimes better availability via Canada
Act Fast
Japan is one of the most popular international destinations for points travelers, and LAX-Tokyo is a premier route. Award space at these levels typically lasts days, not weeks.
Start by checking your preferred dates on American Airlines' website, then optimize your Citi points strategy to make this Japan dream trip a reality.
