Originally Posted by PDXPremier

My guess is that the new international service is simply the much talked about first European route and I would be surprised if they waited that long to announce it when they clearly already know what city it is based on his comments.

It's a tough call trying to figure out whether HA or the JL way is the best for Japan travel for AS elites. JL has one of the most highly regarded economy product in terms of meal service and seat pitch, you can include onward domestic flights on the same 37.5K ticket, and you have lounge access as an MVPG or higher whereas HA award flights to/from Japan can be had for slightly fewer miles at 30K and there is a possibility of being able to upgrade even award flights with upgrade certificates although this is only speculation since there are zero data points and the new SEA-NRT route just started today....I'm taking JL to Japan and HA from Japan so I guess I will soon be able to figure it out myself.