American Airlines announces flights from JFK to Tokyo's Haneda, citing DOT approval
A major U.S. airline is poised to launch a new nonstop route from New York to Tokyo. American Airlines plans to soon fly from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND).
The Fort Worth-based carrier revealed the news in an announcement late Friday, saying it won tentative approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to fly the route.
A DOT spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
It's not yet clear when, exactly, the new flights will begin. American hopes to begin the new route "in the coming months," it said in a statement.
The carrier plans to fly the route daily with a Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. American's proposed schedule of service, detailed last fall, called for a 10:00 a.m. departure from JFK with a 1:05 p.m. next-day arrival in Tokyo.
On the return flight, departure from Tokyo would be at 3:05 p.m. local time, with a 3:10 p.m. arrival in New York.
Haneda slots limited
U.S. airlines can operate a limited number of flights to Haneda, which is governed by use-it-or-lose-it rules flight rules, known as slots. In recent months, carriers have been vying for those Haneda flight rights, petitioning the DOT for the slots. It now appears American has emerged victorious in that effort.
"We are grateful to the DOT and thankful to our partner Japan Airlines for supporting our application. Together, we are well-positioned to offer customers a comprehensive network between two of the most robust economies in the world," American CEO Robert Isom said in a statement Friday evening.
Expanding Tokyo service
This would not be the first JFK's first nonstop service to Haneda.
American's Oneworld Alliance partner Japan Airlines also offers nonstop service between the two airports. In fact, TPG's Eric Rosen just flew the route in recent days on Japan Airlines' inaugural JFK-to-Haneda flight with its new Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.
For its part, American already flies to Haneda once daily from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and twice daily from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
The new route will add 200,000 seats annually between the U.S. and Japan, American said.
Related reading:
- Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
- Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers
- What is American Airlines elite status worth?
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- Everything you need to know about flying basic economy on American Airlines
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.