Singapore in Premium Economy from L.A. & San Fran: $838; $960 with Tokyo Visit! Summer too!

Generally, the best deal to Singapore in premium economy has been with Singapore Airlines’ nonstop flights. But Flyertalk members nickohrn and mikew99 have spotted a fantastic deal from American Airlines and her partner Japan Airlines: $840+ to Singapore via Tokyo! The deal is available from both Los Angeles and San Francisco, so you have options to get there. But this deal gets even better in multiple ways.

Sweetening the Deal #1: Visit Tokyo for Slightly More!

If you want to visit both Tokyo and Singapore, it’s possible to add a multi-day stop in Japan for $120 (nickohrn says $100 but I didn’t build that). To do so, simply search for “Multi-City” instead of “Round Trip” with Google Flight. First flight LAX/SFO – Tokyo, second Tokyo – Singapore, third Singapore -LAX/SFO. You should see prices consistently around $960. That’s a fantastic deal to visit 2 great cities in one trip.

Sweeten the Deal #2: Travel in Summer (and stop by the Olympics)

This deal is not only around in the winter and spring but it’s wide open in July and August too. And as you can see above, you can stop in Tokyo during the Olympics at this price. That’s not too shabby!

Sweetening the Deal #3: Use Chase Ultimate Rewards Points & Travel Portal

This deal shows up in Chase’s travel portal, meaning you can use Ultimate Rewards points if you’d like to keep your cash in your wallet. With Chase’s Sapphire Reserve, UR points are worth 1.5 cents, meaning this round trip is just over 56K points. To compare, American Airlines will charge you 100,000 miles for saver awards if they even give you an option to book this trip (hint: they don’t), and 75,000 for economy. I do believe UR redemptions at 1.5 cents in the portal can be a great deal when fares are low, especially since you earn miles on those trips. Speaking of which…

Sweetening the Deal #4: Earn American or Alaska Miles…a lot of them!

I suggest booking this through Japan Airlines. First, the best pricing seems available consistently through JAL. Second, you’ll earn award miles based on distance with JAL instead of price; that’s 17,500 award miles. If you’re chasing status late in the year, you’ll earn 26K status miles and 3,500 Elite Qualifying Dollars (instant Gold status). JAL also awards miles for Alaska Air, so you can earn 17,500 Mileage Plan miles if that’s your preferred program. I’ve mentioned before how to use PE flights to earn one or more award flights, and this is a great chance to build an award balance.

Sweeten the Deal #5: Use American Express and Save More $$$

Nickohrn states that American Express’ International Airlines Program will knock $100 off the price. I have no experience with the program, but if you have a card with that option this deal gets even better. If you have can book that extra deal, let us know in the comments.

Premium Economy Experience

This deal comes with the extra comfort that’s standard in PE: wider seats, more legroom, and better catering. JAL’s PE is considered slightly better than AA’s, but both are much better than 17 hours each way in main cabin economy. Look for the 777 from Tokyo to Singapore to make sure you get premium economy on that leg. And of course this price includes two checked bags.

This deal is very very good, and I have no idea how long it will be around. So book sooner rather than later to visit Tokyo during the Olympics and see one of the most beautiful cities in the world in Singapore.