Japan-based Japan Airlines (JAL) and its Mileage Bank loyalty program is one of several programs travelers use to book Oneworld alliance award flights. JAL also partners with airlines outside of this alliance including Air France, Alaska Airlines, Emirates, Korean Air, and LATAM.
This article covers ways to earn Japan Airlines miles, redemption rules, using the search engine, redeeming miles, and common questions.
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Credit Cards to Earn Japan Airlines Miles
Japan Airlines only partners with Marriott Bonvoy. So, Marriott credit cards offer the easiest way to earn Japan Airlines miles with credit cards. Some of the best Marriott cards include the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, and Marriott Bonvoy Business.
There is a JAL credit card. However, it doesn’t have a meaningful signing bonus and its earn rates are subpar. Stick with earning points with Marriott credit cards.
Additional Ways to earn JAL Miles
Flying JAL flights or crediting partner flights to your JAL account can help increase your mileage balance. For partner airline flights, wheretocredit.com shows you which airlines you can credit your flights to.
Marriott, IHG, and Hilton stays earn JAL miles at various earn rates depending on the partner. In addition, you can convert Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott, and IHG points to JAL. Generally speaking, these transfer ratios are not favorable.
Basic JAL Redemption Rules
Depending on the operating airline, the award chart rules will vary. At a high level, here are some of the most important rules to know:
- All flights can be booked one-way
- Surcharges vary by the operating airline
- Infant award seats are 10% of the applicable adult mileage
- Partner and Oneworld award charts are based on total mileage
- Up to six segments can be booked on partner award flights
Using the JAL Search Engine
Japan Airlines does not have the easiest search engine to use. Nor does it show the same availability generally found on American Airlines or British Airways. With that said, time spent running searches on JAL goes a long way.
For American Airlines award flights, start your search on British Airways or Qantas, confirm the same availability on JAL, and then book the flight. For non-American Airlines flights, use the exact same process but start your search on American Airlines.
Best Ways to Use Japan Airlines
1. American Airlines US to Europe
American Airlines is generally not known for releasing a ton of business class award space. However, if you can find it, using JAL can make sense. With 48,000 JAL miles, you can book a one-way American Airlines business class flight to Europe. Search for flights on British Airways, confirm the same availability on JAL, and then book the flight.
Examples of American flights you can book include:
- Philadelphia (PHL) > Amsterdam (AMS)
- Charlotte (CLT) > London (LHR)
- New York (JFK) > Barcelona (BCN)
2. Royal Jordanian US to the Middle East
This is a niche routing for sure. But, it’s a fun one to know about if you’re looking for a non-stop flight to the Middle East. With 40,000 JAL miles, you can book a one-way Royal Jordanian economy flight to the Middle East. Search for flights on American, confirm the same availability on JAL, and then book the flight.
Examples of Royal Jordanian flights you can book include:
- Chicago (ORD) > Amman (AMM)
- New York (JFK) > Amman (AMM)
3. Japan Airlines US to Japan
Japan continues to be a destination that receives rave reviews no matter which article you read. The great news is that with 50,000 JAL miles, you can book a one-way JAL business class flight to Tokyo. Search for flights on American, confirm the same availability on JAL, and then book the flight.
Examples of flights you can book include:
- Chicago–O’Hare (ORD) > Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
- Dallas/Fort Worth > Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
- Los Angeles > Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
4. Cathay Pacific US to Hong Kong
Until recently, Hong Kong was seen as a top Asia destination. Hopefully, the situation changes and becomes more accomodating for tourists. If you decide to visit, 100,000 JAL miles are what you need to book a one-way Cathay Pacific first-class flight to Hong Kong. Another way to book this flight is to use 70,000 Alaska Airlines miles. Search for flights on American, confirm the same availability on JAL, and then book the flight.
Examples of flights you can book include:
- Los Angeles (LAX) > Hong Kong (HKG)
- New York (JFK) > Hong Kong (HKG)
- San Francisco (SFO) > Hong Kong (HKG)
5. Emirates US to Southeast Asia
JAL award rules allow for up to six flight segments making award flights to Asia an interesting value proposition. With 130,000 JAL miles, you can book a round-trip Emirates business class flight to Southeast Asia. Award flight routing may look like Newark (EWR) > Dubai (DXB) > Bangkok (BKK) > Dubai (DXB) > Newark (EWR). Search for flights on Alaska Airlines, confirm the same availability on JAL, and then book the flight.
Common Questions
Is Japan Airlines a good airline?
Japan Airlines’ Business Class on the 777-300ER From LAX to Tokyo, Japan Airlines in Business Class on the 777-300ER, and Japan Airlines Business Class 787 Dallas To Tokyo provide a flavor or what to expect with Japan Airlines.
Which is better ANA or JAL?
ANA’s new business class on the Boeing 777-300ER, NEW ANA 777 “The Room” Business Class, and ANA “The Room” Business Class 777-300ER help you to compare ANA to JAL.
Are flights cancelled to Japan?
Run flight searches using Google Flights to see if the flight you want to book is canceled to Japan.
What airlines are flying to Japan?
American Airlines, ANA, and Japan Airlines offer nonstop flights between the US and Japan.
Conclusion on Japan Airlines
Earning Japan Airlines miles is the primary downside with the Mileage Bank program. For travelers who can earn JAL miles, the airline generally has competitive award rates to destinations around the world.
What’s your favorite way to use Japan Airlines miles? How do its miles provide you value? Please let me know in the comments or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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