I suggest you look at kayak.com to check flights out of NY and Boston. I did a quick search that showed British Airways as the least expensive with premium economy out of JFK via LHR for $3726pp. Then I went on seatguru.com to check seat configuration - yes, there are aisle-window seats on those flights.

When are you traveling? For example most of the time between July and October I can see business-class all the way from JFK on Asiana Airlines (a quality carrier from Korea) for $2490 per person.

You sure that $2490 pp in business is a round-trip fare and not one way?

I just did a search for information on the BA premium economy seats and the reviews were not very good. $37++ sounds like a lot to pay. I also looked at Asiana, and biz r.t. prices started at $5000, not $2490. I hope Gardyloo comes back and tells us where he/she found that price! A bargain, for sure.

The dreamliner from Boston to Tokyo might be a nice experience. I know nothing about the seats/service on JAL, but lots of people rave about the Asian carriers. As a tall person, I shy away from economy class on any Asian carrier because of a perception I have of less leg room. Asians, on the whole, are petite people compared to westerners. I'd hate to get on a 12 hour flight with no room for my knees!!

I did another search - depends on what day you go, I just picked out on a Thursday, return on a Friday. Try Eva Air via Taiwan - I came up with a price of $1885 RT for prem eco, making Business class fares a non-issue. Seating is aisle window as well...

Well, I found it on ITA but you're absolutely right, I can't find it now, so apologies all around. I can also see the Eva fare, which is probably as good as you're going to find.

Eva premium econ gets good reviews, too.

I've done JAL business class. Magnificent service and facilities.

Must clarify, it wasn't a dreamliner

Cathay Pacific also has premium economy now. And you'd have many more options flying from JFK or EWR, so it's worth looking into that even if you have to take the train down from Boston.

Thank you all so much for your suggestions. I called Asiana and their premium economy is business class. I'll keep EVA and Cathay Pacific in mind. I was unaware CP now has premium economy so I thank you for that information. Still "dreaming" about the Dreamliner. It might be an interesting experience.

On rare occasions you'll find a good price on the Singapore Airlines flight out of EWR (that's all business class now, previously half business, half premium economy). That might be an airline worth exploring. Sometimes you can get favorable fares if you are willing to fly to Bangkok via Europe then Singapore. Just a thought. Sadly, the airline no longer offers premium economy.

I've found that there are sometimes deals to be had by flying to Asia via Europe, so do consider that. But the EU has added so many taxes that it's now sometimes more expensive to connect that way. But all possibilities should be open.