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Rob published an article in September about BA Avios Redemption devaluations on JAL and Cathay Pacific.
https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/09/23/avios-redemptions-cathay-pacific-japan-airlines-devalued/
I am trying to get domestic flights in Japan, and redemptions through BA are no longer worth it. BA want 10500 Avios for a domestic flight from Tokyo to Oita, which I can buy at JAL for £84 (JPY 15,110)
Taking the advice from Rob’s article, I’ve put in requests via Qatar for the same flights at 6000 Avios each.
One problem with Qatar. When trying to book a return, all the return flights are not shown. When trying to book two singles, you get a better choice of flights.
In researching the best options, I also came across the Japan Explorer Pass.
https://www.jal.co.jp/ukl/en/world/japan_explorer_pass/lp/
This would allow me to book the flights for approximately £63 each way. This fare does not allow you to select seats, but should earn 374 Avios if credited to BA.
Its a toss up as to which is the better option. If you are avios poor, the Explorer Pass fare may be better.
You can’t compare refundable Avios tickets (very low taxes) with JAL non-refundable tickets.
We’ve discussed Explorer Pass here before. It can only be purchased in conjunction with international ticket and last time I tried it had to be a cash ticket, not on points. This might have changed recently.
You can’t compare refundable Avios tickets (very low taxes) with JAL non-refundable tickets.
I can, and I did. I don’t need a refundable ticket.
We’ve discussed Explorer Pass here before. It can only be purchased in conjunction with international ticket and last time I tried it had to be a cash ticket, not on points. This might have changed recently.
You might have. I have not. And I haven’t seen the previous discussion, so I’m probably not alone in that, and I believe drawing attention to it may be helpful to others.
According to the thread on FlyerTalk, reward flights are absolutely fine.
You just need to put in your passport details and ticket number or booking reference.
If this post doesn’t help you, then just move on.
ETA:- is a JAL Avios booking through Qatar fully refundable? I thought it wasn’t!
I usually book with Avios months out to make sure we have something and then—when it’s clear we are definitely travelling and have finalised our itinerary—I will look to buy cash tickets from JAL’s Japanese site. On the JP site, I’ve been able to get prices similar to the Explorer pass, but with more flexibility to cancel or change dates.
I usually book with Avios months out to make sure we have something and then—when it’s clear we are definitely travelling and have finalised our itinerary—I will look to buy cash tickets from JAL’s Japanese site. On the JP site, I’ve been able to get prices similar to the Explorer pass, but with more flexibility to cancel or change dates.
Its good to be aware of all the options so one can choose what is best for one’s own circumstances.
The specific flight that I want would be £142 if I booked it as a regular ticket at JAL. Any of the other 3 options is better value in my particular case.
YMMV
Its good to be aware of all the options so one can choose what is best for one’s own circumstances.
The specific flight that I want would be £142 if I booked it as a regular ticket at JAL. Any of the other 3 options is better value in my particular case.
YMMV
Yes, agreed. To be clear, I would go with whatever ultimately presents the best value/convenience/combination thereof.
In case helpful to anyone, JAL are offering free cancellation on any domestic flights up to,31 March, following Mondays
I’m due to fly Osaka to Haneda today, had a cryptic email from them last night and it seems that all flights are cancelled except one which said indefinite. The day flights all said special ticket treatment( or similar, I can’t find it now )
I ended up cancelling and booking Shinkansen as I can’t deal with uncertainty.In case helpful to anyone, JAL are offering free cancellation on any domestic flights up to,31 March, following Mondays
I’m due to fly Osaka to Haneda today, had a cryptic email from them last night and it seems that all flights are cancelled except one which said indefinite. The day flights all said special ticket treatment( or similar, I can’t find it now )
I ended up cancelling and booking Shinkansen as I can’t deal with uncertainty.Includes international flights too: https://www.jal.co.jp/ar/en/info/travelalerts/240102-3/
I just don’t know what are the exact implications here:
National:
– Those are tickets bought on jal.co.jp
– You can now amend/cancel them
– Would that include also tickets bought now? Or just those already issued?International:
– International flights and explorer pass bought before 2nd Jan 2024 (this makes sense)
– Can now be amended ONCE or cancelled/refundedJAL Domestic Flights.
Conclusion.
BA wanted 10500 Avios only for each flight – no fee.
Qatar Privilege Club wanted 6000 Avios for each flight plus JPY7100 (c£39)
Explorer fare worked out at £63.20
I’ve booked the explorer fare. Very simple to do online at JAL. Charged in GBP.
Qatar were a nightmare to deal with. Filled in two on line forms, one for each segment. They replied to one (not available) but not the other. Spent 45 minutes on the phone this morning trying to book the flight that was available. Only when the agent was about to complete the booking did he tell me there was a fee of JPY7100 on top of the 6000 Avios.
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