Japan Airlines Launches New Nonstop Chicago-Tokyo Narita Service

Key Takeaways

• Japan Airlines resumed nonstop Chicago–Narita flights May 31, 2025, using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft daily.
• Codeshare with American Airlines enables seamless U.S.-Asia connections and frequent flyer benefits.
• Narita route boosts business, tourism, and Chicago O’Hare’s transpacific hub status.

Japan Airlines Restores Nonstop Chicago–Tokyo Narita Service: What It Means for Travelers, Businesses, and the Midwest

Japan Airlines (JAL) has officially brought back its nonstop service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Tokyo Narita International Airport, launching the route on May 31, 2025. This move marks the end of a five-year break in Narita service and comes as part of JAL’s broader efforts to meet growing demand for travel between North America and Asia. The new daily flight joins JAL’s existing Tokyo Haneda–Chicago route, giving travelers two daily options between the Tokyo area and Chicago.

The return of this route is more than just another flight on the schedule. It has important effects for travelers, businesses, and the wider community in both the United States 🇺🇸 and Japan 🇯🇵. Here’s a detailed look at what this new service means, how it works, and why it matters.

What’s New: Key Details of the Chicago–Tokyo Narita Route

Who: Japan Airlines, in partnership with American Airlines
What: Daily nonstop flights between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Tokyo Narita International Airport
When: Service began May 31, 2025 (Chicago to Narita); return flights from Narita to Chicago started June 1, 2025
Where: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Terminal 5; Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), Terminal 2
Why: To meet increased demand for transpacific travel, improve connections to Asia, and support business and tourism
How: Using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with 244 seats, operated under a codeshare agreement with American Airlines

Flight Schedule and Aircraft

• Flight Numbers: JL055 (Chicago to Narita), JL056 (Narita to Chicago)
• Departure/Arrival Times: Standard schedule is 12:30 p.m. departure from Chicago, arriving in Narita at 3:15 p.m. the next day. The return leaves Narita at 6:15 p.m., arriving in Chicago at 4:00 p.m. the same day.
• Schedule Change: From September 1 to October 25, 2025, Chicago departures move to 12:10 p.m. with arrivals at 3:45 p.m.
• Flight Duration: About 11 hours and 45 minutes
• Distance: 6,294 miles (10,127 kilometers)
• Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER, offering a mix of business, premium economy, and economy seats

Codeshare and Connections

Japan Airlines operates this route in partnership with American Airlines through the oneworld Alliance. This means travelers can book connecting flights on both airlines using a single ticket, making it easier to reach destinations across the United States 🇺🇸, Japan 🇯🇵, and beyond. Codeshare flights also allow passengers to earn and use frequent flyer miles across both airlines.

Why This Route Matters: Stakeholder Perspectives

For Travelers

More Choices and Flexibility:
With two daily flights between Chicago and Tokyo (one to Haneda, one to Narita), travelers have more options for departure times and airport preferences. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, making it a good choice for those staying in the city. Narita, on the other hand, is a major hub for flights to other parts of Asia, especially Southeast Asia and India.

Easier Connections:
Narita International Airport is a key hub for flights throughout Asia. Passengers flying from Chicago can now connect more easily to cities like Bangkok, Singapore, Manila, and Delhi. The codeshare with American Airlines also means travelers from across the U.S. can connect through Chicago O’Hare International Airport to reach Asia with just one stop.

Streamlined Travel Experience:
The partnership between JAL and American Airlines allows for coordinated schedules, shared frequent flyer benefits, and smoother transfers between flights. This is especially helpful for families, business travelers, and anyone with tight connections.

For Businesses and the Economy

Boost for Business Travel:
Chicago is a major business center, and Tokyo is one of the world’s leading financial hubs. The restored Narita service makes it easier for companies to send employees between the two cities and to connect with partners across Asia. According to Hideyuki Koyama, JAL’s Senior Vice President for the Americas, the new route “adds flexibility and convenience for Midwest travelers,” supporting both business and leisure travel.

Support for Tourism and Cultural Exchange:
The new flight is expected to increase tourism in both directions. JAL has also signed a partnership with Major League Baseball to promote travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Japan 🇯🇵, which could lead to more sports fans and tourists crossing the Pacific.

Economic Impact on Chicago:
Chicago O’Hare International Airport benefits from its status as a transpacific hub. More international flights mean more jobs, more spending in the local economy, and a stronger position for Chicago as a gateway between North America and Asia.

For the Airlines

Strategic Network Expansion:
For JAL, restoring the Narita route is part of a larger plan to grow its international network. The airline is also increasing flights on other U.S. and Asia routes and investing in new aircraft, like the Airbus A350-1000, for future long-haul service.

Maximizing Route Profitability:
The codeshare with American Airlines is key to making the route successful. By sharing passengers and coordinating schedules, both airlines can fill more seats and offer better service to their customers.

How to Book and What to Expect: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Booking Your Flight

• When to Book: Tickets for the new route have been on sale since February 12, 2025.
• Where to Book:
  • Japan Airlines official website
  • American Airlines website
  • Travel agents and online booking platforms
• Codeshare Benefits: You can book connecting flights on both airlines with one ticket, making it easier to plan your trip.

2. Checking In

• Online Check-In: Available through both JAL and American Airlines websites and mobile apps.
• Airport Check-In:
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport: Terminal 5
  • Tokyo Narita International Airport: Terminal 2

3. Making Connections

• In Chicago: American Airlines offers connections to cities across the United States 🇺🇸, so travelers from places like Dallas, Miami, or Los Angeles can reach Tokyo with just one stop.
• In Tokyo: Narita International Airport is a major hub for flights to Southeast Asia and India. JAL and its partners offer easy connections to dozens of cities.

4. Entry Requirements and Travel Documents

• U.S. Citizens Traveling to Japan:
  • No visa required for short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism or business.
  • Must have a valid passport and a return or onward ticket.
• Japanese Citizens Traveling to the United States 🇺🇸:
  • Eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for visits up to 90 days.
  • Must apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel.
  • Apply for ESTA here.
• Other Nationalities:
  • Check visa requirements for both countries before booking.
• Health and Safety Protocols:
  • Check for any updated health requirements, such as vaccination or testing, before departure.
  • Official updates can be found on the U.S. Department of State’s travel page.

5. At the Airport

• Baggage: Standard baggage allowances apply; check with your airline for details.
• Security and Customs: Allow extra time for security checks and customs, especially when connecting to other international flights.
• Lounges and Services: Both JAL and American Airlines offer lounges for eligible passengers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Tokyo Narita International Airport.

Background: Why Narita Matters

Japan Airlines previously operated flights between Chicago and Narita but moved its Tokyo service to Haneda in 2020. Haneda is closer to downtown Tokyo, making it popular with business travelers. However, Narita remains a key hub for connecting flights to other parts of Asia. The return of the Narita route in 2025 is a response to increased demand for travel to Asia and the need for better connections beyond Japan.

Narita International Airport serves as a gateway to many Asian cities, especially in Southeast Asia and India. For travelers heading to places like Bangkok, Jakarta, or Delhi, flying through Narita can save time and make the journey smoother.

The Bigger Picture: What Analysts Say

Aviation experts see the return of the Chicago–Narita route as a sign of strong recovery in transpacific travel after the pandemic. Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that having both Haneda and Narita flights allows JAL to serve different types of travelers—business passengers who want quick access to Tokyo, and leisure or connecting passengers heading elsewhere in Asia.

The codeshare with American Airlines is also seen as a smart move. By working together, the two airlines can offer more flights, better schedules, and a smoother experience for passengers. This partnership is especially important for filling seats and making the route profitable.

Looking Ahead: Future Plans and Developments

Winter 2025 Schedule

JAL will announce details for the winter 2025 schedule in late June 2025. There may be changes to flight times or frequencies based on demand and operational needs.

Fleet Modernization

JAL is investing in new aircraft, such as the Airbus A350-1000, for long-haul routes. While the Chicago–Narita route currently uses the Boeing 777-300ER, future upgrades could bring newer planes with more comfort and better fuel efficiency.

Possible Route Expansion

JAL is watching travel trends closely. If demand continues to grow, the airline may add more flights or new routes between North America and Asia.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book Early: Flights on popular routes can fill up quickly, especially during holidays and peak travel seasons.
• Check Entry Requirements: Visa and health rules can change. Always check official government websites before you travel.
• Use Codeshare Benefits: Booking through JAL or American Airlines lets you take advantage of shared frequent flyer programs and easier connections.
• Plan for Connections: If you’re connecting to another city in Asia, make sure you have enough time between flights at Narita.
• Stay Updated: Flight schedules can change, especially during the first months of a new route. Check your flight status before heading to the airport.

Official Resources and Contact Information

• Japan Airlines Official Website: jal.co.jp
• American Airlines Codeshare Information: aa.com
• Narita International Airport Information: narita-airport.jp
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport: flychicago.com
• Customer Service (U.S.): 1-800-525-3663
• Press Inquiries: [email protected]

For the latest travel advisories and entry requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel page.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The return of Japan Airlines’ nonstop service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Tokyo Narita International Airport is a major step forward for transpacific travel. It offers more choices, better connections, and greater convenience for travelers between the United States 🇺🇸, Japan 🇯🇵, and the rest of Asia. Whether you’re a business traveler, a tourist, or someone visiting family, this new route makes it easier to cross the Pacific and reach your destination.

For businesses and the local economy, the new flight supports growth, jobs, and international connections. For JAL and American Airlines, it’s a chance to strengthen their partnership and serve more customers.

As travel continues to recover and grow, the Chicago–Narita route stands as a symbol of renewed ties between North America and Asia—and a reminder of the important role that air travel plays in connecting people, cultures, and economies.

Travelers planning to use this route should book early, check all entry requirements, and take advantage of the codeshare benefits for a smoother journey. For more information, always refer to official airline and government websites for the latest updates and guidance.

Learn Today

Nonstop Service → A flight operated directly between two airports without any intermediate stops or layovers.
Codeshare Agreement → A partnership where airlines share the same flight, allowing passengers to book through either carrier.
Boeing 777-300ER → A long-range wide-body aircraft commonly used for international flights with up to 244 seats on this route.
Oneworld Alliance → A global airline alliance that facilitates cooperation and benefits between member carriers like JAL and American Airlines.
Visa Waiver Program → A U.S. program permitting citizens from certain countries to travel visa-free for short visits.

This Article in a Nutshell

Japan Airlines restored Chicago–Tokyo Narita nonstop service on May 31, 2025, enhancing travel options. The Boeing 777-300ER flight supports business, tourism, and broader U.S.-Asia connectivity, partnered with American Airlines through codeshare. This route revitalizes transpacific air travel via Chicago, strengthening economic and cultural ties across continents.
— By VisaVerge.com