Amex to ANA: How to Book ANA First Class Using Membership Rewards Points

ANA First Class — branded “The Suite” since its redesign — is widely considered one of the two or three best first class products in commercial aviation. Private suites with closing doors, a seat that converts to a flat bed over 6 feet long, multi-course Japanese and Western menus, and service that defines what “first class” means. The best part: it’s bookable using American Express Membership Rewards transferred to ANA Mileage Club.

Why ANA Mileage Club Is a Hidden Gem

Most US-based travel rewards content focuses on Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Emirates Skywards, and United MileagePlus for Star Alliance redemptions. ANA Mileage Club is underutilized — but for round-trip first class or business class to Japan, its fixed-rate award chart is extraordinarily competitive:

ANA partner award pricing for Star Alliance flights (round-trip):

• USA to Japan in ANA First Class (The Suite): 160,000 miles round-trip
• USA to Japan in ANA Business Class: 88,000 miles round-trip

These prices are per-person, round-trip. Compared to booking one-way on other programs, ANA’s round-trip pricing can be the single best rate available for Japan premium cabin travel.

The Amex MR → ANA Transfer

American Express Membership Rewards transfers to ANA Mileage Club at 1:1 ratio. Transfer time: typically 2-5 business days.

What you need:

• An active Amex card earning MR points (Platinum, Gold, Green, or co-branded)
• An ANA Mileage Club account (free to create at ana.co.jp)
• ANA Mileage Club account to be at least 30 days old before transferring (a common trip-up — open the account NOW, even before you have miles)

Important: ANA Mileage Club miles expire if the account has no activity in 36 months. Any earning or redemption resets the clock.

ANA The Suite: What You’re Getting

ANA’s First Class Suite (on B777-9 routes to Tokyo and beyond) features:

• Private sliding door suite: Complete isolation from neighboring passengers
• Seat dimensions: 38” wide, 6’8” flat bed length (longer than many competitors)
• Bedding: Luxury mattress, full-size pillow, lightweight duvet
• Dining: Multiple-course Japanese/Western menu with champagne and sake selections
• Pajamas: Premium Nishiki brocade pajamas
• Amenity kit: Ikkyu, a luxury Japanese brand

Routes featuring The Suite: select JFK, LAX, and other major US hubs to Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND). Not all Japan-bound ANA flights are Suite-equipped — verify the specific flight’s equipment before booking.

Step-by-Step: How to Book ANA First Class with Amex Points

Step 1: Open an ANA Mileage Club Account

Go to ana.co.jp and create a free Mileage Club account. Do this before you accumulate transfer points. Note: your account must be active for about 1 month before ANA accepts transfers.

Step 2: Accumulate Enough Amex MR Points

For round-trip First Class USA–Japan for 1 person: 160,000 ANA miles = 160,000 Amex MR points. This requires significant accumulation. Strategy:

• Amex Platinum sign-up bonus: 80,000 MR (after spend)
• Amex Gold dining spend over 12–18 months: 40,000–80,000 additional MR
• Amex Business Platinum: Another 80,000–150,000 MR on sign-up

Step 3: Verify Award Availability on ANA’s Website

Go to ana.co.jp → Search for Award Flights. Search your US gateway → Tokyo (NRT or HND) in First Class. ANA releases First Class saver award space on select dates — it can be scarce but is available, especially 330-360 days in advance of departure.

Pro tip: ANA releases award space for non-Japanese residents at different times than for Japanese residents. Search via ana.co.jp and try both departure and return dates flexibly.

Step 4: Transfer Points from Amex to ANA

Once you confirm award availability, initiate the transfer from your Amex account (amex.com → Points → Transfer Points → ANA). Factor in the 2–5 business day transfer time. Do not transfer points until you have confirmed award availability — transfers are one-way and non-reversible.

Step 5: Call ANA to Book

ANA’s phone reservation line (1-800-235-9262 or the US number) is where you finalize the booking using your transferred miles. ANA partner awards using Star Alliance metal may need to be booked by phone rather than online.

What About Business Class?

If 160,000 miles is beyond your current balance, ANA Business (the NH Star Class) at 88,000 miles round-trip is still an exceptional value. ANA’s business class (with forward-facing pods and full flat beds) is well-rated and a step above most US carrier business products.

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ANA Mileage Club partner award rates verified at ana.co.jp as of June 2026. Award pricing subject to change.