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Tokyo-based ANA reduces US flight availability through fall 2021

Jan. 27, 2021
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3 min read
ANA_777_New_Business_Class_The_Room_Zach_Griff_ZGriff - 30
Tokyo-based ANA reduces US flight availability through fall 2021
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This time last year, the future seemed bright for Japan's All Nippon Airways (ANA). Tokyo was set to host the Olympics in the summer of 2020, promising a big boost in business. And the city's Star Alliance carrier had just rolled out fantastic new business and first-class products, adding even more appeal to an already top-notch transpacific experience.

Then COVID-19 hit, the Olympics were postponed and Japan closed its borders to visitors from many countries. Like all global airlines, ANA responded quickly, reducing flights to destinations around the world.

ANA's new The Room business class. (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)

Now, although the ongoing vaccine rollout has travelers feeling optimistic, ANA is expecting the drop in demand to continue for some time, with the airline adjusting its domestic and international schedules into the fall.

Notably, these rollbacks impact summer 2021 as well. While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had previously announced new dates, with opening ceremony scheduled for July 23, it's unclear if the games will proceed as scheduled, or if spectators will be permitted to attend.

So far, the four U.S. routes below have been impacted, though ANA is continuing to offer some service to New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO); the only city to lose out entirely is San Jose, California (SJC).

Screenshot courtesy of ANA.

While most Americans remain unable to visit Japan, there are still plenty of nonstop flight options for travelers with permission to enter the country, including a handful of regular flights from the western U.S.:

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Screenshot courtesy of Google Flights.

And a number of options from elsewhere in the country, too:

Screenshot courtesy of Google Flights.

ANA is trimming its schedule to Asia, Europe and the South Pacific as well. Note that this schedule isn't final. The airline says that depending on how immigration policies evolve, "ANA will continue to review and adjust its flight schedule and increase or reduce the frequency of flights accordingly."

Additionally, the carrier suggested that more of its long-haul flights may be operated by the 787 Dreamliner, as the carrier has accelerated some Boeing 777 retirements — presumably aircraft that recently received business and first-class updates will continue to fly.

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
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