Seize the Opportunity: Fly to Japan for just 53,000 credit card points round-trip with Citi's Flying Blue transfer bonus

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Currently, fantastic award seats are open to Japan via Air France-KLM's Flying Blue loyalty program, with round-trip economy tickets available for as low as 53,000 credit card points due to the ongoing Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer bonus.

Departures from U.S. cities like Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Seattle will land at Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) from now until June of next year. The best award availability is in January and February, but it's worth checking the entire travel period to find what suits you best. April offers great options from multiple cities, coinciding with the peak cherry blossom season in Tokyo.

After selecting your departure date, you can either book a one-way ticket or secure your desired return flight as well.

Delta Air Lines operates flights across the Pacific, but if you're open to a more scenic journey, there's good availability through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) with Air France, albeit with a few hundred dollars in carrier-imposed surcharges. To minimize points used, take advantage of Citi's current 25% transfer bonus to Flying Blue, potentially lowering the cost to as low as 26,400 ThankYou Rewards each way (plus fees and taxes).

Air France's points booking system can be tricky, so if you need help, check out this handy trick for navigating the Flying Blue calendar search tool.

Overview of the Deal

Airlines: Delta Air Lines, Air France

Routes: Departing from Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Seattle to Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND)

How to book: Check Air France-KLM Flying Blue for available dates and fares

Travel dates: Available now through June 2025; options vary by route, with January and February offering the most availability

Book by: At your earliest convenience

You can also register for a free trial using this link.

Example Flights

We found one-way flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Haneda Airport starting at 35,000 points and approximately $33 in fees. As mentioned earlier, January is an ideal time to take advantage of this offer.

In January, nonstop one-way flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Tokyo on Delta are available for just 33,000 points, plus $32.30 in fees and taxes.

In November, one-way flights from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Tokyo can be booked for 41,500 miles and $32.30 in taxes and fees.

If you lack sufficient Flying Blue miles, you can transfer points and miles from the following programs:

• American Express Membership Rewards
• Bilt Rewards
• Capital One miles
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Rewards

Make the Most of Your Purchase

Remember to use a credit card that offers bonus points on airfare purchases to cover your taxes and fees, such as:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: 2 points for every dollar spent on travel
• American Express® Gold Card: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or via amextravel.com
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: 5 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees): 3 points per dollar spent on air travel

In Summary

If you're looking to redeem Citi ThankYou Rewards, the current 25% transfer bonus to Air France-KLM's Flying Blue program presents an excellent opportunity to fly to Japan for as little as 53,000 credit card points, round-trip.