Japan Airlines business class awards are now widely available from several cities, with booking options using American Airlines or Alaska Airlines miles, as well as points from various credit card transfer programs. Availability spans winter months, with flights departing from Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York JFK, Dallas, and San Diego. Most dates offer two business class award seats, though some dates provide up to four.
For booking through American AAdvantage, the cost is 60,000 miles each way without surcharges. Alaska Mileage Plan requires approximately 75,000 miles for distance-based itineraries; however, connecting flights may cost more. Alaska is also a Bilt transfer partner and does not add surcharges to these awards.
Credit card transfer options include British Airways Executive Club starting at 92,750 Avios each way and Cathay Asia Miles at 89,000 points each way. Both of these options incur surcharges of around $225 each way. Other possible but less economical choices are Air France KLM Flying Blue and Emirates Skywards, which range between 125,000 to 160,000 points each way.