After nearly 12 hours in the air, our arrival was the only part of the trip that felt less premium.
Immigration lines at Narita International Airport felt long and chaotic — a reminder that even the best onboard experience eventually gives way to standard airport realities.
That said, the flight itself was excellent: comfortable, polished, and thoughtfully executed from start to finish.
Service was attentive, the seat delivered where it mattered most for sleep, and the overall experience felt cohesive in a way that some competitors don’t always achieve.
The ground experience at LAX was among the most seamless I’ve had. I’m also grateful I was able to sleep comfortably for several hours, which is ultimately what matters most on a long-haul flight like this.
At full price, though, this is a difficult ticket to justify. A $14,000 one-way fare puts it firmly in competition with some of the world’s best luxury travel experiences.
For me, the value came through points. I transferred 128,000 American Express Membership Rewards points and paid only a few dollars for my ticket.
At that level, this flight is an easy yes and a reminder that, for those who know how to use them, points can unlock experiences like this at a fraction of the cash cost.