TL;DR
- Best all-round value: ANA, Japan Airlines (JAL), EVA Air, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines.
- Cheapest full-service wildcards: China Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Starlux, select Mainland China carriers on sale.
- Low-cost long-haul from North America: ZIPAIR (West Coast → Tokyo; add bags/meals/seat as needed).
- Detour kings for sales + stopovers: Qatar Airways (Doha), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Etihad Airways (Abu Dhabi).
- Home teams not to overlook: United, Air Canada, Delta, American, plus niche help from WestJet and Hawaiian.
Why choosing the right airline matters
Long flights from US/Canada to Asia are marathons.
On legs of – hours, small differences in seat width, pitch, layout, and cabin noise add up. West Coast gateways often price best to Japan/Korea/Taiwan, while East/Midwest hubs can do better to Southeast Asia—either via Tokyo/Seoul/Taipei or on larger detours via Doha/Istanbul/Abu Dhabi.
A smart choice can turn a good price into a great trip: the right hub timing, a comfier aircraft (A350/787), and a friendly connection can mean real rest instead of an exhausting slog.
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Below are four traveler profiles—pick the one that fits, then compare dates and aircraft for your short-list carriers.
For luxury seekers
Prioritizing top-tier cabins and refined service.
Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL), ANA, EVA Air, Cathay Pacific.
Expect calm cabins, polished crews, and strong Premium Economy. If PE is only ~$150–$350 more each way on a true ultra-long-haul, the ROI in rest and baggage priority is high.
For backpackers and digital nomads
Chasing lower fares, flexible routings, and useful stopovers.
Airlines: ZIPAIR, China Airlines, EVA Air (sales), Philippine Airlines, plus Qatar/Turkish/Etihad when promos hit.
Trade a one-stop and longer elapsed time for meaningful savings. Build generous buffers on separate tickets and consider stopovers as planned rest days.
For status and miles chasers
Maximizing alliance earnings, upgrades, and lounge access.
Alliances: Star (United/Air Canada/ANA/EVA/Singapore), oneworld (American/Alaska/JAL/Cathay/Qatar), SkyTeam (Delta/Korean/China Airlines).
Stick to your alliance; Aeroplan and LifeMiles often beat cash on peak dates. Bank points (Amex/Chase/Citi/CapOne; Amex/RBC in Canada) increase your options.
For families with kids
Prioritizing smoother airports and kid-friendly service.
Airlines: Singapore, EVA, ANA, Korean, Cathay.
Hubs like SIN/ICN/TPE/HND are stroller-friendly, with play areas and efficient layouts. Request bassinets early and aim for bulkhead seats.
Note on prices
All prices are averages—based on the lowest widely available round‑trip economy fares seen over the past 6–12 months. If you’re looking for much cheaper fares, use Air Traveler Club — Superdeals can save you 40–80% on flights from Europe to Asia.
The winners
The airlines below consistently balance what matters most to North America → Asia economy flyers:
- Price-to-value ratio: sale frequency, inclusions
- Route flexibility: nonstop vs 1-stop; coverage beyond major gateways
- Connection quality: layover lengths, airport ease, amenities
- Seat comfort: pitch, width, recline, cabin density, quietness
- Service standards: meals, IFE/Wi-Fi, consistency
- Schedule reliability: on-time performance, frequency
- Baggage policies: that impact leisure travelers most
Quick tip
US 24-hour rule: Book a good fare and use the free cancellation window (when eligible) to lock seats while you confirm hotels and layover plans. It’s perfect for pouncing on short-lived drops without commitment.
1. United Airlines (SFO-centric)
Why it’s great for North America-based travelers:
- Network depth: The broadest US trans-Pacific schedule with strong feed from smaller cities onto SFO/LAX/ORD/EWR/IAD.
- Alliances & partners: Star Alliance links to ANA/EVA/Singapore and more for easy one-stops deeper into Asia.
- Award angles: Excursionist Perk and no surcharges on many partners can beat cash in peak season.
Best for: Travelers who want one-ticket connectivity from non-hubs; Star loyalists; West Coast flyers.
Watch-outs: Basic long-haul fares can be bag-light; dense 777 layouts vary—check seat maps.
2. Air Canada (YVR/YYZ)
Why it’s great:
- Gateway power: YVR is a trans-Pacific gem with nonstops to Tokyo/Seoul/Taipei; YYZ covers the East.
- Aeroplan magic: Wide partner web and paid stopovers (+5k points) make creative itineraries easy.
- Cross-border play: For US Pacific Northwest/Great Lakes, positioning to Canada can be cheaper than US hubs.
Best for: Points tinkerers; Western Canada and nearby US border travelers.
Watch-outs: Light fares may exclude checked bags; some routes price high on peak weekends.
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3. Delta Air Lines (via ICN partnership)
Why it’s great:
- Seamless one-stops: The Korean Air JV turns ICN into a super-hub from ATL/DTW/MSP/SEA/LAX.
- Coverage breadth: Smooth links onward to Japan/Taiwan/SE Asia with sensible timings.
- Cabin consistency: Solid long-haul economy on A350/330neo fleets when available.
Best for: SkyTeam loyalists; flyers in Delta fortress hubs.
Watch-outs: Lowest buckets can be rigid on changes; verify baggage inclusion.
4. American Airlines (DFW-Tokyo/Seoul focus)
Why it’s great:
- Central hub reach: DFW funnels much of the central US onto Tokyo/Seoul for onward JAL/Cathay links.
- Partner synergy: Pair AA/Alaska with JAL/Cathay/Qatar for wide Asia coverage.
- Awards: Sweet spots appear via partners; watch for off-peak windows.
Best for: Oneworld earners; central US travelers.
Watch-outs: Leaner AA-operated Asia network than United/Delta; pick flights for aircraft comfort.
5. ANA (Tokyo)
Why it’s great:
- Comfort & punctuality: Quiet cabins (787/A350), thoughtful service, and clockwork operations.
- Connectivity: Excellent onward reach to Japan/SE Asia; easy transfers at HND/NRT.
- Value: Premium Economy often priced sensibly for ultra-long sectors.
Best for: Japan trips; Star awards; comfort-first economy.
Watch-outs: Peak cash fares can be firm—book early or use miles.
6. Japan Airlines (Tokyo)
Why it’s great:
- Space in coach: “Sky Wider” layouts remain among the roomiest long-haul economy seats.
- Service: Consistently poised crews and solid meals/IFE.
- Partners: Great fit with AA/Alaska for accrual and onward Asia links.
Best for: Families and comfort-seekers; oneworld earners.
Watch-outs: Base fares can sit above Taiwan carriers; hunt sales or PE deals.
7. EVA Air (Taipei)
Why it’s great for North America-based travelers:
- Calm cabins & sales: Frequent promos from West Coast and select East/Midwest gateways.
- SE Asia reach: Smooth one-stops to Vietnam/Thailand/Malaysia/Philippines via TPE.
- Premium Economy: A reliable comfort sweet spot.
Best for: Value-seekers who still want full service.
Watch-outs: Lowest fares can be restrictive on changes/seat selection.
Smart booking tactics
- Time your buys: January, late spring, late summer, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday often bring dips.
- Automate the hunt: Set alerts for your top gateways; jump fast on drops.
- Pick aircraft wisely: Prefer A350/787 and 3-3-3 layouts; pay modestly for exit/bulkhead on ultra-longs.
- Use the US 24-hour rule: Lock a fare, then confirm hotels/seat maps/layover lengths before committing.
- Leverage stopovers: Doha/Istanbul/Abu Dhabi hotel offers can reduce net cost and ease jet lag.
- Mind baggage math: Compare fare tiers; the next tier can be cheaper than adding bag + seat later.
8. China Airlines (Taipei)
Why it’s great for North America-based travelers:
- Sale pricing: Often the cheapest solid full-service option to SE Asia.
- Modern hardware: A350/777 cabins with good IFE and sane layouts.
- Network: Useful links from LAX/SFO/YVR/YYZ/NYC.
Best for: Price-led trips to Vietnam/Thailand/Philippines/Malaysia.
Watch-outs: Check fare families for bags/changes.
9. Korean Air (Seoul Incheon)
Why it’s great for North America-based travelers:
- Easy hub: ICN is one of the smoothest airports for transfers.
- Coverage: Strong links to Japan/Taiwan/SE Asia with frequent promos.
- Service: Friendly, consistent long-haul economy.
Best for: One-stop simplicity to wider Asia.
Watch-outs: Cheapest buckets can be rigid; verify baggage inclusion.
10. Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong)
Why it’s great for North America-based travelers:
- Network depth: Superb coverage into Southeast Asia and Southern China.
- Product: Strong long-haul economy and IFE; good schedules from East Coast and Canada.
- Alliances: Oneworld accrual/redemption with AA/Alaska.
Best for: East Coast/Canada flyers to SE Asia.
Watch-outs: Peak seasons price high—watch shoulder windows.
11. Singapore Airlines (Changi)
Why it’s great for North America-based travelers:
- Reliability & comfort: One of the steadiest long-haul experiences.
- Hub perks: Changi’s ease (showers, food, attractions) turns long connections into a plus.
- Premium Economy: Often worth the modest upcharge on ultra-longs.
Best for: Comfort-first travelers heading to SE Asia/Australia.
Watch-outs: Sale fares sell fast; base prices can run higher.
12. ZIPAIR (Tokyo, LCC)
Why it’s great for North America-based travelers:
- Rock-bottom base fares: Especially from West Coast cities to Tokyo.
- À la carte: Pay only for what you need (bag/seat/meal/Wi-Fi).
- Flex routing: Stitch onward Asia legs yourself if you’re comfortable self-connecting.
Best for: Ultra-budget travelers traveling light.
Watch-outs: Build 6–8 hour buffers on separate tickets; price the total (bags/seats) not just the base fare.
Table 1. Popular routes, hubs and destinations (US & Canada → Asia)
| Airline | Core departure airports | Hub(s) | Typical APAC targets from hub |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | SFO, LAX, EWR, IAD, ORD, IAH, DEN | SFO (primary Pacific) | HND, NRT, ICN, TPE, HKG, SIN (via partners), BKK/SGN (via partners) |
| Air Canada | YVR, YYZ, YUL, YYC | YVR/YYZ | HND, NRT, ICN, TPE, HKG, SIN (via partners), BKK/SGN (via partners) |
| Delta Air Lines | SEA, DTW, MSP, ATL, LAX | SEA/DTW/ATL; partner hub ICN | ICN onward to NRT/HND, KIX, TPE, HKG, BKK, SGN |
| American Airlines | DFW, LAX, SEA | DFW/LAX; partner hub HND/ICN | HND/ICN onward to Japan, Korea, SE Asia via JAL/CX partners |
| ANA | LAX, SFO, SEA, JFK/EWR, IAD, ORD, YVR, YYZ | HND/NRT | All Japan + ICN, TPE, HKG, BKK, SGN, KUL, MNL |
| Japan Airlines | LAX, SFO, SAN, SEA, JFK, BOS, DFW, ORD, YVR | HND/NRT | All Japan + TPE, HKG, BKK, SGN, MNL |
| EVA Air | LAX, SFO, SEA, ORD, JFK, YYZ | TPE | VN/TH/MY/PH/ID (BKK, SGN, KUL, MNL, CGK) + JP/KR/TW |
| China Airlines | LAX, SFO, JFK, YVR, YYZ | TPE | VN/TH/PH/MY (BKK, SGN, MNL, KUL) + JP/KR/TW |
| Korean Air | LAX, SFO, SEA, LAS, IAD, JFK, YYZ, YVR | ICN | JP/TW/CN + BKK, SGN, KUL, DPS, MNL |
| Cathay Pacific | JFK/EWR, BOS, IAD, LAX, SFO, YVR, YYZ | HKG | SE Asia + Southern China (BKK, SGN, KUL, MNL, HKT, CAN) |
| Singapore Airlines | LAX, SFO, JFK (via FRA), IAH (via MAN), YVR | SIN | All SE Asia + Australia/NZ |
| ZIPAIR (LCC) | LAX, SFO, SAN, SEA | NRT/HND | Tokyo with self-connect options to wider Asia |
| Qatar Airways | JFK/EWR, BOS, IAD, PHL, ORD, DFW, IAH, LAX, SFO, YYZ, YUL | DOH | IN/PK/BGD + TH/VN/MY/PH/ID (BKK, SGN, KUL, MNL, CGK) |
| Turkish Airlines | JFK/EWR, BOS, IAD, MIA, ATL, ORD, DFW, IAH, LAX, SFO, YUL, YYZ | IST | JP/KR/TW/CN + broad SE Asia (BKK, SGN, KUL, MNL, DPS) |
| Etihad Airways | JFK, IAD, ORD, YYZ | AUH | IN/LK/MV + SE Asia (BKK, KUL, SGN, MNL) |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cheapest months to fly from North America to Asia?
Often late January–March and mid-September–early December. Summer, Golden Week, and Lunar New Year price high unless you use miles. Shoulder windows vary by route—set alerts and be flexible by a few days.
How do I catch those 40–70% drops to Asia without doomscrolling?
Join ATC’s free SuperDeals alerts (APAC-focused) and we’ll ping you only when prices are genuinely rare. ATC+ members get early access, plus notes on aircraft/layout, and sample dates—so you can book fast with confidence.
How does the US 24-hour rule work?
For tickets booked at least 7 days before departure, most airlines allow a full refund within 24 hours of booking. Use it to hold good fares while you confirm plans.
Is Premium Economy worth it on trans-Pacific flights?
Usually yes when the upcharge is modest. You’ll get wider seats, more recline, quieter cabins, better meal service, priority handling, and often an extra bag.
Should I take a nonstop or save with a one-stop via the Middle East?
Nonstops reduce risk and time. One-stops via Doha/Istanbul/Abu Dhabi can save $150–$500+ and include attractive stopovers. If a hotel is included, the “detour” can lower your net cost and fatigue.
Which award programs offer the best value for Asia flights?
Aeroplan (broad partners, paid stopovers), United MileagePlus (Excursionist Perk, no surcharges on many partners), and LifeMiles (frequent promos, no surcharges) routinely deliver good value to Asia.
What about transit visas?
Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore offer straightforward airside connections for most US/Canadian passports. Mainland China and some others may require specific transit permissions—check current rules before booking tight connections.
