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There are some fantastic deals to Japan on American Airlines this fall. Since Zipair started offering one-way flights for less than $400, some full-service carriers have responded with competitive prices.

American Airlines has recently dropped the price of its nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND). You’re entitled to a free checked bag even at the lowest fares.

Deal basics

Airline: American Airlines.
Routes: Los Angeles to Tokyo.
How to book: Browse Google Flights and book directly with the airline.
Travel dates: August to October.
Book by: As soon as possible.

Sample flights

The cheapest tickets in this deal are basic economy fares.

On select dates, you can score a basic economy ticket for $287. It’s important to note that changes aren’t permitted with these tickets. However, a checked bag is included. For an additional $30, you can book a Main Cabin ticket and receive an earlier boarding time, free seat selection and waived change fees.

You can also opt for premium economy fares.

In addition to a wider seat and an extra 7 inches of legroom from standard economy, premium economy fares offer an enhanced meal, priority boarding and security.

Related: Perfectly fine but nothing more: American Airlines premium economy across the Atlantic

Maximize your purchase

If you book this deal, be sure to use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (5 points per dollar spent on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), the Citi Prestige® Card (5 points per dollar spent on airfare) or the Citi Premier® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve (both 3 points per dollar spent on airfare). Or, try the American Express® Gold Card (3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly through the airline or Amex Travel) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2 points per dollar spent on travel).

Related: Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights

The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

While I’m not proud of it, I’ve paid close to $287 for flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and LAX. You can book a ticket to Japan on American Airlines for the same price.

For return fares, consider leveraging your points and miles to fly home from Japan to reduce out-of-pocket expenses even further.