Flying to Japan is long. Do it in style without breaking the bank. We share tips on finding cheap business class tickets and using points.

A 14-hour flight is brutal in Economy. It's a dream in Business. Here is how to find business class flights to Japan deals.

1. Book Early (or Very Late)

• The Sweet Spot: 11 months out (when calendar opens) or 2 weeks out (last minute release).
• Avoid: Booking 3-6 months out is usually the most expensive.

2. Use Points & Miles (The Golden Ticket)

• ANA (All Nippon Airways): The holy grail. Round trip to Japan from the US/Europe for 85k - 100k miles (vs $5,000 cash).
• JAL (Japan Airlines): Great availability via partner airlines like American Airlines or British Airways.
• Virgin Atlantic: Can book ANA First Class for incredibly low miles (if you can find space).

3. Zipair (The Game Changer)

• What is it? JAL's low-cost carrier.
• The Deal: Fully lie-flat business class seats for $1,500 - $2,000 round trip from the West Coast (LAX/SFO/YVR).
• The Catch: No free food, no free checked bags, no lounge access. You pay for the seat only. But it lays flat!

4. Positioning Flights

• Don't just search from your home airport. Search from major hubs (LAX, JFK, LHR, FRA). It might be cheaper to buy a separate ticket to a hub and fly business from there.

Conclusion

If you have cash, fly Zipair. If you have points, hunt for ANA/JAL award space.