I'm considering a first-time trip to Japan for my family of four, and am considering paying for JAL's premium economy as an alternative to redeeming 400K AA miles for 4 r/t J tix (assuming I could even find availability).

Ideally we'd fly nonstop SFO-HND in April 2011, for roughly a 2-3 week vacation. So far I've found the best PY fares are about $1900 all-in whereas the best Y fares are $800-900 less. This was just a simple Kayak search.

Anyone know if this is a high/low/average PY fare for this route? Any other suggestions for obtaining a better PY fare? Are paid at-the-airport upgrades to PY available?

Obviously, I'm trying to avoid flying in Y, and while J is way too expensive, PY offers hope. The extra room and lounge access should make things much more tolerable for this long flight. Plus we'd still earn AA miles for the flight (albeit only 70%).

Appreciate any help/suggestions...