How Japan Airlines and Kaizen Can Get You a $23,300 First Class Ticket to Tokyo for $3,221 (or 160,000 Miles)

Why 13 is your magic number to getting $23,300 First Class seats for Fuji-sized savings in cash or by using Alaska or American miles; or Amex, Capital One, Chase, or Citi Points

Listen up spontaneous, bags-packed flyers. You too, Asia-bound ticket holders flying in Business Class, Premium Economy, and even — heaven forbid — coach. Your magic number is 13. That’s the number of days we’re now constantly seeing (let’s call it a trend!) prior to departure when availability raises its hand and calls your name. Screams it, actually.

First up, let’s talk to ticket holders.