japan-best way to accumulate miles
Feb 4, 2005, 4:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 2
japan-best way to accumulate miles
Hi! I'm a newbie--I need to fly to Japan 1-2 times a year. Any thoughts on best way to accumulate miles toward free trips to the Land of the Rising Sun?
I don't fly on business much---perhaps getting credit card for American Airlines, Delta, or JAL etc. I appreciate any thoughts.
I don't fly on business much---perhaps getting credit card for American Airlines, Delta, or JAL etc. I appreciate any thoughts.
Feb 4, 2005, 6:06 pm
#2
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 2,505
One suggestion would be to look at how many partners the airline has that fly to Japan. For example, United flies there from San Francisco, and so does its partner ANA. UAL miles can get you on either. (I just flew back from Japan on ANA using UAL miles.) I bet Thai Air, another UAL partner, could get you there, too.
Last edited by pgary; Feb 7, 2005 at 3:22 pm
Feb 4, 2005, 6:35 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: PHL (and sometimes BKK)
Programs: aa/ua gold; mar titanium. SPG till I die.
Posts: 15,648
Thai air flyes from LAX-NRT, as does VARIG and I believe Singapore Air also flies that route. They're all UA Partners.
As said above, UA, ANA also fly that route.
As said above, UA, ANA also fly that route.
Feb 5, 2005, 5:27 am
#4
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: NRT/PDX
Programs: Willamette Valley Cropdusters Silver Elite, National Tent Frequent Stay program, Ed's Rent-a-tractor
Posts: 3,357
SkyTeam is another option. Delta, Continental, Northwest and Korean all fly between the continental US and Japan.
As you can see, quite a few airlines fly between the continental US and Japan. Look at which airline(s) service the airport(s) nearest you. After you've narrowed it down a bit, you're better able to look at the earning options.
As you can see, quite a few airlines fly between the continental US and Japan. Look at which airline(s) service the airport(s) nearest you. After you've narrowed it down a bit, you're better able to look at the earning options.
Feb 6, 2005, 4:52 am
#5
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 246
destination in Japan
Don't forget to consider your destination in Japan. Tokyo (Narita), of course, is the major gateway but there are also flights into Osaka (Kansai) and soon the new airport near Nagoya will open. If you need to go to Osaka/Western Japan and you are stuck always flying through Tokyo, you'll get tired of that! :-)
Feb 6, 2005, 10:51 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Soon to be LEGT
Posts: 10,928
Where from?
The OP doesn't say where they are flying from. For example, it can be a major PITA reaching Japan from S. America or Africa, while there are loads of flights from Europe and N.America.
Feb 6, 2005, 4:52 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 2
japan-best way to accumulate miles
Thanks for your help-I'll be flying from NYC-I think I'll take Pgary's useful advice and start accumulating miles on United Airlines via the credit card. I'll be flying into the new Nagoya airport for better or worse-I hear it's about a 2 hour distance from Nagoya! 
Feb 6, 2005, 6:02 pm
#8
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Northern California
Programs: Inf Elite CO, lifetime AA Platinum
Posts: 1,937
Flights to NRT
Don't forget that UA is offering doule miles on all flights now, so if you are traveling in the next few months and can buy your tickets shortly, you may want to start with UA. Then go to one of their partners later.