Chicago to Tokyo Award Flights
Fly ORD to NRT starting from 35,000k points economy or 75,000k points business class. Here is how to book the best award on this route.
Points cost by program
One-way saver award estimates. Actual availability varies.
| Program | Economy | Business | Value | Search |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada AeroplanBest | 35,000 | 75,000 | ~7.3cpp | Search |
| United MileagePlus | estimated | estimated | — | Search |
| ANA Mileage Club | estimated | estimated | — | Search |
Points shown are approximate published saver rates. Prices vary by date, availability, and program devaluations. Always confirm in your loyalty account before transferring.
Cash ticket comparison
Cash tickets on Chicago to Tokyo run roughly $850 economy and $5,500 business class (median round-trip). At those prices, a business-class award redemption delivers around 7.3 cents per point, beating the 1 cent baseline you would get from cash-back cards.
Best programs for Chicago to Tokyo
Air Canada Aeroplan
Aeroplan uses distance-based pricing that often undercuts partner programs on their own metal, and charges no fuel surcharges on most carriers. Transfers from Chase, Amex, Capital One, and Bilt all land instantly.
United MileagePlus
MileagePlus's Excursionist Perk lets you add a free one-way segment within a region. Dynamic pricing can be painful, but off-peak dates still surface excellent rates.
ANA Mileage Club
ANA Mileage Club prices international business and first class at some of the lowest rates in the industry. The 55,000-mile one-way first-class rate (via Virgin Atlantic) is the best deal in the points world.
Tips for this route
United and ANA both operate nonstop ORD-NRT, giving two solid partner-booking options. Aeroplan prices the route without fuel surcharges on both carriers. Connecting through LAX or SFO opens up more award inventory.
- +Search award space before transferring points. Transfers are non-reversible.
- +Book at the 330-day mark for premium-cabin awards on this corridor; inventory is tightest within 30 days.
- +Watch for transfer bonuses from Amex, Chase, or Capital One that can give you 20-30% more miles per dollar.
- +Budget $50-$400 in cash taxes and fees on top of the points cost. Confirm before you transfer.
How to book this award
- 1Confirm award space first. Search for availability on Air Canada Aeroplan or use our Trip Finder below before you move a single point.
- 2Earn or transfer points. Air Canada Aeroplan accepts transfers from Chase UR, Amex MR, Capital One. Transfers usually land in minutes.
- 3Book the moment the transfer lands. Award seats can disappear in minutes. Have your search results open when you initiate the transfer.
- 4Pay taxes and fees. Most international awards carry $50-$400 in cash co-pays. Confirm the amount at checkout before committing to the transfer.
Search live award space
Our Trip Finder checks award availability across 3+ programs for ORD to NRT in real time.
Search ORD to NRT awardsCommon questions
- How many points do you need to fly from Chicago to Tokyo?
- Economy awards start around 35,000 points one-way on the best programs. Business class starts around 75,000 points. The best programs for this route are Air Canada Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, ANA Mileage Club.
- Is it worth using points to fly Chicago to Tokyo?
- Economy cash fares run around $850 and business runs around $5,500. At 35,000 points for economy you are getting roughly 2.4 cents per point, and at 75,000 for business you get roughly 7.3 cents per point. Business class is typically where points deliver the best return on this route.
- What is the best loyalty program for Chicago to Tokyo award flights?
- Air Canada Aeroplan is the top pick for this route. Aeroplan uses distance-based pricing that often undercuts partner programs on their own metal, and charges no fuel surcharges on most carriers. Transfers from Chase, Amex, Capital One, and Bilt all land instantly. Other strong options include United MileagePlus and ANA Mileage Club.
- Which credit cards earn points for Chicago to Tokyo flights?
- The top programs for this route accept transfers from several major flexible-points currencies. Air Canada Aeroplan accepts transfers from Chase UR, Amex MR, Capital One, Bilt. United MileagePlus accepts transfers from Chase UR, Marriott Bonvoy. Earning a single sign-up bonus on a premium travel card can cover one-way business class.
Award pricing and availability are set by each loyalty program and change without notice. Points figures on this page reflect published saver-level rates as of 2026. Always confirm pricing inside your loyalty account before transferring points. Transfers are non-reversible.