How to Book Japan Airlines with Chase Points

Booking Japan Airlines (JAL) flights using Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR) points offers an incredible value, but the process requires a bit of strategy. Imagine sitting in a luxurious first-class seat, sipping champagne on a Japan Airlines flight, knowing that you’ve paid for it with points. The best part? It’s possible to achieve this without being a seasoned traveler, provided you follow a few critical steps. In this guide, you’ll learn how to maximize your Chase points for a top-tier experience with Japan Airlines.

Why Japan Airlines is the Ultimate Choice JAL is renowned for its exceptional service, luxurious cabins, and top-notch food. Whether you’re flying economy or first class, you’ll enjoy a premium experience. However, many travelers don’t realize that you can book these award-winning flights using Chase points.

So, what’s the secret to getting that coveted seat on Japan Airlines? It all boils down to partner airlines and strategic point transfers.

Step 1: Understanding Chase Transfer Partners

Chase UR points can be transferred to several airline partners. However, Japan Airlines is not one of Chase’s direct partners. This doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Instead, you'll need to transfer your points to one of JAL’s oneworld alliance partners, such as British Airways or Cathay Pacific.

For instance, if you transfer your Chase points to British Airways’ Avios program, you can book JAL flights using Avios. British Airways Avios is a popular choice for redeeming Japan Airlines flights due to their partnership within oneworld. Alternatively, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles is another strong option, offering competitive rates for JAL award tickets.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Program

Not all transfer programs are created equal, and some may offer better redemption rates than others. Generally, British Airways Avios offers excellent value for JAL flights, especially for shorter routes within Asia. Here’s an example to illustrate:

However, Asia Miles may offer lower taxes and fees, especially on long-haul international routes. Consider which program best suits your needs based on your destination and travel class preferences.

Step 3: Transferring Points

Once you’ve decided on the program, the next step is transferring your Chase points. It’s a straightforward process, but you need to ensure your chosen frequent flyer account is set up and linked to your Chase UR account. Transfers typically take 24-48 hours, although they are often instant.

Here’s a breakdown of how to transfer:

1. Log in to your Chase Ultimate Rewards account.
2. Select the “Transfer to Travel Partners” option.
3. Choose either British Airways or Cathay Pacific from the list of partners.
4. Enter the frequent flyer number and the amount of points to transfer.

Step 4: Booking Your Japan Airlines Flight

Once your points have transferred, it’s time to book! You can book Japan Airlines flights directly through the British Airways or Cathay Pacific websites. Simply search for award availability, and if you find the flight you want, proceed with the booking. Award availability can be limited, so flexibility with dates and times is crucial.

If you can’t find the availability you're looking for, consider booking one-way flights or a mixed-cabin journey (e.g., economy one-way, business on return). Be mindful of taxes and fees, which can vary depending on the partner program you’re using.

The Sweet Spot: Business and First Class One of the best ways to maximize your Chase points with Japan Airlines is by booking business or first class. The JAL first-class experience is world-class, offering spacious suites, gourmet meals, and impeccable service. But even JAL’s business class is something to behold, featuring lie-flat seats and priority service.

For instance, a first-class flight from Tokyo to New York could cost over $15,000 in cash. However, using British Airways Avios or Asia Miles, you could snag the same flight for around 103,000 Avios or 120,000 Asia Miles, plus taxes and fees. The value of your Chase points could be worth up to 10-15 cents per point in this scenario, far exceeding typical redemption values for Chase UR points.

Step 5: Maximizing Your Point Earnings

If you’re low on points, there are a few ways to build your Chase UR balance quickly. Chase offers a variety of cards that earn UR points, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Ink Business Preferred. These cards come with generous sign-up bonuses and bonus categories like travel and dining, allowing you to earn points quickly.

Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited are also excellent options, offering high earning potential on everyday purchases. Pairing these cards with a Sapphire or Ink card can create a powerful points-earning combo, as you can transfer points between them.

Hidden Tips to Keep in Mind

• Avoid last-minute bookings: JAL award availability can dry up quickly, especially during peak seasons. It’s best to book at least six months in advance for international routes.
• Consider nearby airports: If you’re flying from North America, you might have better luck finding availability out of cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles rather than New York.
• Be flexible with travel dates: The more flexible you are, the more likely you’ll find award availability.

Step 6: Handling Cancellations and Changes

Before booking, familiarize yourself with the cancellation and change policies of your chosen program. British Airways Avios typically charges a fee for canceling or changing award flights, while Asia Miles may offer more flexibility.

Bottom Line: A High-End Experience for Less Using Chase points to fly Japan Airlines may take a little more effort than booking through other airlines, but the reward is well worth it. With the right approach, you can turn your Chase points into an unforgettable travel experience. From luxurious first-class suites to exceptional service, JAL offers an experience that few airlines can match.

For travelers looking to maximize their points for the best value, transferring Chase points to British Airways or Cathay Pacific is an unbeatable strategy for booking Japan Airlines flights. So, the next time you're planning a trip to Japan (or beyond), consider upgrading your experience by flying JAL using your Chase points. It’s not just a flight—it’s an adventure in luxury.