How Many Japan Airlines Mileage Bank Miles to Fly to Chicago?
Chicago is JAL's primary Midwest gateway, with nonstop service from both Tokyo Narita and Haneda. Despite being further from Japan than the West Coast, business class is priced at the same 55,000 miles as LAX or SFO — a great deal for one of the world's best business class products on a long-haul flight.
Japan Airlines Award Chart — Chicago
JAL operates nonstop flights between Japan and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Flights depart from Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda (HND). Flying time is approximately 12–13 hours westbound and 13–14 hours eastbound.
| Cabin | Miles (each way) |
|---|---|
| Economy | 27,000 |
| Premium Economy | 40,000 |
| Business Class | 55,000 |
| First Class | 110,000 (low season) / 125,000 (regular) / 140,000 (high season) |
First class uses JAL's three-tier peak pricing. Low season covers shoulder months; high season includes summer (July–August), Golden Week, and year-end holidays.
Tips for Redeeming JAL Miles to Chicago
- 1Chicago ORD is the third-busiest airport in the US and a major connection hub — useful if you're connecting onward within the US.
- 2The Tokyo–Chicago route is operated with 787 or 777 aircraft; Sky Suite business class is available on 777 departures.
- 3JAL Business Class (Sky Suite on 777/A350, Sky Suite III on 787) features fully flat beds with direct aisle access — 55,000 miles each way is exceptional value for one of the best business class products in the sky.
- 4American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou all transfer to JAL Mileage Bank at 1:1.
- 5All JAL award flights must originate or end in Japan. You cannot use JAL miles for itineraries that don't touch Japan.
- 6Stopovers in Japan are permitted on international awards — you can add a Japan stay to your itinerary at no extra mileage cost.
- 7First class is only available on JAL's Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350 — not all flights on this route offer it. Check the aircraft type when searching.
- 8First class uses three-tier peak pricing: low season is cheapest; high season (summer, Golden Week, year-end) costs the most.
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