Frequent flyers and travel enthusiasts often find themselves on a quest to maximize the value of their miles and rewards. One of the most sought-after awards in the world of travel is securing a coveted seat on Japan Airlines (JAL) through a partner airline like Alaska Airlines. This article aims to be your ultimate guide to booking JAL award flights with Alaska Airlines, demystifying the process and helping you make the most of your loyalty points.
Understanding Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Before diving into the specifics of booking JAL award flights, it’s crucial to understand the basics of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. The Mileage Plan is Alaska Airlines’ frequent flyer program that allows members to earn and redeem miles for award travel on Alaska Airlines and its partner airlines, including JAL.
Alaska Airlines has a unique approach to award redemptions, allowing members to book one-way flights and take stopovers on international award itineraries. This flexibility is a significant advantage for travelers, as it enables them to maximize the value of their miles.
Earning Mileage Plan Miles
To book JAL award flights with Alaska Airlines, you need Mileage Plan miles. Here’s how to earn them:
- Flying with Alaska Airlines: The primary method of earning Mileage Plan miles is by flying with Alaska Airlines and its partner airlines. The number of miles you earn depends on the distance flown and your fare class.
- Alaska Airlines Credit Card: Alaska Airlines offers co-branded credit cards that allow you to earn miles with every purchase. You can accumulate miles quickly by using these cards for everyday expenses.
- Partner Airlines: Besides Alaska Airlines, you can also earn Mileage Plan miles by flying with partner airlines within the Oneworld alliance, including Japan Airlines.
- Mileage Plan Shopping Portal: Shop through the Mileage Plan shopping portal to earn additional miles when making online purchases from various retailers.
- Transfer Partners: Alaska Airlines has several transfer partners, such as Marriott Bonvoy, allowing you to convert points from other loyalty programs into Mileage Plan miles.
Partnering with Oneworld: The JAL Connection
JAL is a member of the Oneworld alliance, which makes it possible to book JAL award flights through Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan. This alliance opens up a world of opportunities for travelers, offering access to a vast network of destinations and a range of premium services.
Finding JAL Award Flight Availability
The first step to booking a JAL award flight with Alaska Airlines is finding available award space. You can search for JAL award availability on Alaska Airlines’ website or by calling their reservations department. Keep in mind that availability can vary depending on the route, time of year, and other factors. When searching for availability it is important to select One-way, Use miles, and Award calendar. This will provide you with a calendar for the entire month of the date that was entered. When searching for award availability, it is much easier to use One-way and then search for each leg separately.
After selecting “Find Flights”, the award calendar will appear. By default, it will show the lowest available. In this case, it will show for 35k miles and $19, an economy ticket can be purchased. Economy tickets are not too difficult to find assuming you are planning in advance. Business class tickets however are more difficult to find but by selecting “Business” on the left of the calendar, the calendar will change to business class availability.
Business class award availability will be 60k miles and $19. The taxes and fees will remain the same regardless of economy or business class seat. Only the amount of miles required to book the ticket will change. This may or may not be true for every points and miles redemption but at least with Alaska partner bookings, it is consistently the same taxes/fees regardless of cabin.
After selecting the desired date, a screen shows the flights. This will be where you can select either “Main” which would equate to economy or “Partner Business” which would refer to business class. These options will only show if available for the dates you previously selected.
Award Charts and Mileage Requirements
Alaska Airlines has a straightforward award chart for JAL award flights, making it relatively easy to determine the miles needed for your desired route. The mileage requirements are based on the distance flown, class of service, and region of travel. The Alaska Airlines award chart can be found on their website.
Award Flight Booking Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when booking JAL award flights with Alaska Airlines:
- Book Early: JAL award availability can be limited, so it’s advisable to book your award flights well in advance, especially if you have specific travel dates in mind.
- Be Flexible: Flexibility with travel dates and destinations can increase your chances of finding available award space.
- Partner Airlines: Don’t limit yourself to JAL. Consider other Oneworld alliance partners like American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and British Airways for alternative options.
- Check Transfer Partners: If you’re short on Mileage Plan miles, check if you can transfer points from other loyalty programs to top up your account.
- Consider Stopovers: The free stopover policy can be a great way to see more places on a single award ticket.
Fees and Taxes
When booking JAL award flights with Alaska Airlines, be prepared for additional fees and taxes. These costs can vary based on factors like the departure airport, class of service, and the number of connections in your itinerary. Review the fees and taxes before finalizing your booking. In the example in this article, a $19 fee is very low.
Start Your Dream Trip
Booking JAL award flights with Alaska Airlines through the Mileage Plan program offers travelers an excellent way to experience the world-class service of Japan Airlines. By understanding the nuances of the program, maximizing your miles, and staying persistent in your search for award availability, you can unlock the skies and enjoy incredible journeys with one of the world’s premier airlines. Whether you’re an avid frequent flyer or a novice in the world of award travel, this guide equips you with the knowledge to make the most of your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles when booking JAL award flights.
As with any intricate process, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments, program changes, and award availability updates. Regularly check the Alaska Airlines website, and don’t hesitate to reach out to their customer service for assistance. Happy travels!