Planning a trip to Japan but feeling overwhelmed by the choice of airports or airlines? Maybe you’re wondering which option is the most convenient, affordable, or wheelchair-friendly? Don’t worry—this guide is here to simplify your planning process. Let’s explore three simple ways to decide: by destination, mileage programs, or price.
Option 1: Decide Based on Your Destination
Your final destination in Japan can guide your choice of airport. Here’s a quick overview:
| Airport | City/Region | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Narita (NRT) | Chiba (approx. 40mi to Tokyo ) | Access to Tokyo and surrounding areas |
| Haneda (HND) | Tokyo | Quick access to central Tokyo |
| Kansai (KIX) | Osaka | Travel in western Japan (Kyoto, Osaka) |
| Chubu Centair (NGO) | Nagoya | Central Japan |
| Fukuoka (FUK) | Fukuoka (Kyushu) | Southern Japan |
| New Chitose (CTS) | Sapporo (Hokkaido) | Northern Japan |
Option 2: Choose Based on Mileage Programs
If you’re a frequent traveler, have accumulated miles with specific airlines, or earn points through certain credit cards, redeeming those miles or points could save you money on flights.
| Program Type | Airline/Program Name | Frequent Flyer Program or Credit Card | Alliance/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline | All Nippon Airways (ANA) | ANA Mileage Club (AMC) | Star Alliance |
| Airline | Japan Airlines (JAL) | JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) | oneworld |
| Airline | United Airlines | United MileagePlus | Star Alliance |
| Airline | Delta Airlines | Delta SkyMiles | SkyTeam |
| Airline | American Airlines | AAdvantage Program | oneworld |
| Credit Card Program | Chase Ultimate Rewards | Transferable to United MileagePlus, etc. | Partner with multiple airlines |
| Credit Card Program | Capital One Venture Miles | Transferable to 15+ airline partners | Flexible for various programs |
| Credit Card Program | American Express Membership Rewards | Transferable to ANA, Delta, etc. | Wide transfer option |
Option 3: Prioritize Price
Budget-conscious travelers may prefer airlines offering affordable fares. While premium airlines like ANA and JAL provide exceptional service, budget carriers such as ZIPAIR are great for saving money.
| Airline | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ZIPAIR | Low | Budget-friendly but limited services |
| All Nippon Airways (ANA) | Medium-High | Premium service and comfort |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | Medium-High | Excellent in-flight meals and accessibility |
Accessibility Tips for Travelers Using Wheelchairs
If you’re traveling with a wheelchair or have other mobility needs, here are some tips:
1. Look for Direct Flights
Several major U.S. airports offer direct flights to Japan. Here’s a list of starting points for your journey:
| U.S. Airport | Location |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles International (LAX) | Los Angeles, California |
| San Francisco International (SFO) | San Francisco, California |
| Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) | Seattle, Washington |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) | Dallas, Texas |
| Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) | Chicago, Illinois |
| John F. Kennedy International (JFK) | New York, New York |
| Denver International (DEN) | Denver, Colorado |
| Honolulu International (HNL) | Honolulu, Hawaii |
2. Choose Airports Known for Accessibility
- Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) are highly rated for accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly facilities and efficient assistance services available.
SEA is honored to received the Airports Council International (ACI) World’s Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) program, which provides a continuous path of improvement for airports in the area of accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
https://www.portseattle.org/sea-tac/accessibility-at-sea-tac-airport
- Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) are excellent choices for accessibility, with barrier-free designs and helpful staff.
Narita Airport received the 13th MLIT Barrier-Free Award in 2019 for its advanced accessibility effortsHaneda Airport was awarded the 4th MLIT Barrier-Free Award in 2011 for its leadership in universal design.
3. Choose Airlines Offering Excellent Assistance
ANA and JAL are highly praised for their accessibility support, including pre-boarding for passengers with disabilities and comprehensive in-flight assistance.
Here are the major airlines flying to Japan:
| Airline | Notes |
|---|---|
| All Nippon Airways (ANA) | Known for excellent service and accessibility support |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | Great for wheelchair assistance and in-flight comfort |
| United Airlines | Reliable for international routes |
| Delta Airlines | Extensive U.S.-Japan connections |
| American Airlines | Provides accessibility services |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Great option for flights via Honolulu |
| ZIPAIR | Budget-friendly airline (limited services) |
Tips for Choosing the Best Option
- Destination Matters: Choose the airport closest to your final destination. For example, Haneda is best for Tokyo, while Kansai is ideal for Kyoto or Osaka.
- Accessibility Needs: Contact the airline and airport in advance to arrange special needs assistance.
- Budget and Comfort: If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, ZIPAIR is worth considering, but it may have fewer services. For a more comfortable experience, ANA or JAL are excellent choices.