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I remember reading somewhere that Japanese internal flights can be great value on Avios but can’t find the articles. The only thing I found is this: https://www.headforpoints.com/2021/03/01/use-avios-points-for-jal-flights-in-japan/
But it seems very out of date because at least looking at flights from Okinawa to the mainland the prices are £100+ using Avios on JAL which is about twice as expensive as just using a local budget carrier.
Any tips for internal Japan sweet spots? Or was I thinking of Virgin points on ANA?
They can be very good value with Avios. For example one way from Osaka (ITM) to Tokyo(HAN) is 7500 and £4.40 -or other ratios of cash to Avios depending on preference. I have just searched that route to check. Others will know more than me and a number of routes show up online but I have a feeling I have heard that some need to be booked on the phone. Also I think if you book too far out they may cancel and you may need to rebook.
As you mention Virgin and also United are also good value for internal flights on ANA. I have some flights booked from Osaka to Tokyo on ANA for April that were 5500 United Miles and £4.40. One way. Others with better knowledge than me will probably be able to give more specific advice but I’d try doing a search of the route you want on BA. ANA flights can be booked with United miles online but you may have to call Virgin for ANA.Not always a good value on longer routes! Also bear in mind that on low-cost airlines you’ll have to add luggage (although you do have an option of luggage delivery service takkyubin).
Unfortunately some flights with other OneWorld airlines you might want to book using Avios, can only be done by ringing the call centre.
I’m looking at booking AA1145 / AA2173, but since BA’s customer systems can’t recognise the destination airport, you have to call up !
Iberia’s systems do recognise the airport, but I’m not sure if they’re more expensive…While we’re on this topic, has anyone managed to book non-QR, other OneWorld airline flights via their website / app ?
I tried this route, and although it acknowledges the airport (when BA’s customer systems don’t), it can’t produce any flight options !I’m looking at booking AA1145 / AA2173, but since BA’s customer systems can’t recognise the destination airport, you have to call up !
Iberia’s systems do recognise the airport, but I’m not sure if they’re more expensive…Is that MIA-CTG? If so, this is bookable online. You just need to type in the airport codes. Just looked on the website and it’s 9000 Avios + £17 one way for economy (business wasn’t available on random date I entered).
How did you get £100+ using Avios? Tokyo Haneda to Okinawa costs 10,000 Avios + £3.80 in economy, for example.
Whether or not it’s good value depends on your requirements – I’m oneworld sapphire so I value the 2 free baggage allowance on JAL for my ski trips (plus other OW benefits).
Cancellation is almost free due to the very low taxes, and I value that flexibility. Plus availability is excellent.
JAL is very flexible with regards to changing your flight time on the day. Many times I’ve been rebooked onto an earlier departure for free. Recently I even missed my flight by 2 hours due to a late arrival in Tokyo and they rebooked me onto the next available one for free after I arrived and told them I had missed my flight – can’t imagine any budget carrier would be so accommodating!
I’m looking at booking AA1145 / AA2173, but since BA’s customer systems can’t recognise the destination airport, you have to call up !
Iberia’s systems do recognise the airport, but I’m not sure if they’re more expensive…Is that MIA-CTG? If so, this is bookable online. You just need to type in the airport codes. Just looked on the website and it’s 9000 Avios + £17 one way for economy (business wasn’t available on random date I entered).
Thank you for helping, I thought BA’s customer systems don’t recognise CTG airport since it doesn’t give any drop down options when you put it into the system, unlike when you type in MIA it’ll give drop down options for the latter and FLL
Yes, 9k Avios and approximately £17 is an option, but you need to do the maths on all quotes offered, I’ve worked out that option of 3k Avios and the cash element of around £67 (I think it was I’m not fully certain off the top of my head) gives the best value for an Avios point
For some reason, Iberia is about £20 more than BA for the exact same itineraries… although they offer LATAM options, something BA doesn’t !How did you get £100+ using Avios? Tokyo Haneda to Okinawa costs 10,000 Avios + £3.80 in economy, for example.
You just answered your own question. £103.80 for a flight that’s about half that on other carriers.
Obviously need to factor in luggage etc plus the fact you can use the JAL lounge, fast track etc if you have BA status. Pretty sure a £50ish LCC won’t be refundable either.
Of course there’s added value, all I’m saying is that the price of the flight on a LCC is £40-60 if you need baggage compared to £100.
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