Is ANA the best value for all US-to-Asia award flights?

ANA offers unbeatable roundtrip rates to Asia, but requires roundtrip booking and sometimes imposes surcharges. For one-ways or flexible stopovers, see Aeroplan or Alaska.

Why do miles required differ for the exact same flight?

Each program prices awards differently, so United, Aeroplan, and ANA may all charge different prices for a partner seat on the same plane.

Which airlines allow stopovers on one-way awards to Asia?

Aeroplan (5k miles extra) and Alaska both allow stopovers on one-ways.

Are taxes and surcharges ever refundable on canceled award bookings?

Generally yes—taxes and surcharges are refunded, but check each airline’s policy as most charge a redeposit or cancellation fee.

Before booking

Best Airlines for Booking Flights to Asia With Miles

This guide is for U.S.-based travelers aiming to maximize their airline miles for award flights to Asia. It covers which airline loyalty programs offer the best value, award availability patterns, partners, typical surcharges, and key tips for stretching points further when booking to Asia.

By Global Entry Sooner Editorial TeamUpdated Mar 17, 2026

Top US-Asia Partner Programs

ANA, JAL, Aeroplan, Alaska

Best for Low Taxes

United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan

Easiest to Book Online

Asia Miles, Flying Blue, Aeroplan

Miles Needed (One Way Biz)

ANA: 75k, JAL: 60k-85k, United: 80k+

Asia Award Flight Planning

The Best Airlines to Book Flights to Asia With Miles—And Why It Matters

Getting to Asia with points is easier (and sometimes cheaper) than you think if you know the right program and how to use partner charts. Savvy travelers can avoid hefty surcharges, unlock better seats, and stretch their points further by knowing which loyalty programs have real value for Asian routes. Not all miles are created equal—pick the right booking approach and avoid the biggest award travel headaches.

Key Factors: Choosing the Right Airline Miles for Asia

Award Rates

Lowest Miles for Best Cabin

ANA and JAL often win, but sweet spots exist with Aeroplan, Alaska, and Virgin Atlantic for specific routes.

Route & Partner Access

Book More Carriers, More Destinations

Look for programs with broad partner lists: Aeroplan (Star), Alaska (Oneworld + unique partners), Asia Miles (Oneworld mix).

Surcharges & Fees

Keep Extra Costs Down

Always check out-of-pocket fees before booking. Favor United, Aeroplan, or Alaska to avoid big surcharges.

Stopover Policy

See More on One Award

If a stopover is important, choose Aeroplan or Alaska—ANA and Asia Miles allow with roundtrips.

Best Program for Booking Asia: ANA vs. Air Canada

Criteria	ANA Mileage Club	Air Canada Aeroplan
Miles Needed (Business, US-Asia, One Way)	75k (roundtrip required, so 37.5k one way equivalent)	75k (or higher, depending on distance/partner)
Partner Award Flexibility	Roundtrip only, limited mixed-cabin options	One-way allowed, broad partner mix, open-jaw/stopover okay
Fuel Surcharges	Often applies unless flying ANA metal	Minimal to none on most partners
Transfer Partners	Amex, Marriott Bonvoy	Amex, Chase, Capital One, Bilt, Marriott Bonvoy
Stopover Policy	1 stopover allowed on roundtrip	Stopover for 5k miles extra one-way

Interactive checklist

Asia Award Booking Checklist

Avoid wasted points and missed opportunities—run through this checklist before transferring or booking.

0/5 complete0%

Confirm Award Space

high priority

Double-check seats are available before moving any transferable points.

Compare Miles Across Programs

high priority

Check multiple airline programs for the same partner flight to see if you can save points.

Review Fuel Surcharges

medium priority

Some programs (BA, Lufthansa) pass fuel surcharges; others (United, Aeroplan) don’t.

Only Transfer Points When Ready

high priority

Most transfers are irreversible—don’t move points unless you see real award space.

Look for 5th Freedom Routes

low priority

Some Asian carriers fly unique international segments you can book with miles.

Hidden Award Gems

Don’t Sleep on These Asia Miles ‘Sweet Spots’

A trio of airline programs quietly offer the best value for those willing to look beyond typical US carriers or use transfer partners you already have.

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: Unique partner routing, easy online booking, can pair Oneworld partners.
Avianca LifeMiles: No surcharges for ANA/Asiana, can book Star Alliance partners cheap.
Virgin Atlantic: Book ANA first/business from US for less than 60k one-way (first on select routes).

FAQ

Asia Award Flight Booking: Quick FAQ

Which US banks offer the best transfer partners for Asia?

Amex (ANA, Asia Miles, Aeroplan), Chase (United, Aeroplan, Singapore), Citi (Asia Miles, Avianca), Capital One (Aeroplan, Asia Miles).

Are fuel surcharges always unavoidable?

No. United and Aeroplan generally do not pass on surcharges for most Asia partners.

How far in advance should I book?

12+ months for holidays; 2–6 months for most business class seats; last minute for flexibility.

Can I book stopovers with miles?

Aeroplan and Alaska allow stopovers; ANA and Asia Miles with roundtrips.

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