JAL Mileage Bank - JGC Sapphire vs. SGC Premier

Hello all,

I'm on my way to requalify for JGC Sapphire for next year and with some planning would be able to make it to Premier.

Now, other than OW Flounge access and mileage expiration suspension, it doesn't seem like there is anything else in particular that Premier brings and Sapphire doesn't, is there?

Is it really worth the additional 30k FOPs? How would you value the status?

Any input would be greatly appreciated,

Cheers~ ;)

The best thing I found nice about Premier aside from getting OW Emerald and the associated benefits when flying OW airlines (especially F Lounge access) was the upgrade points scheme. It used to be that you could get 30 upgrade points for Premier and 20 upgrade points for Sapphire, the difference of 10 upgrade points being more than enough to upgrade from Y to C on long haul flights JAL. Unfortunately JAL decided to axe the upgrade points scheme altogether, which gives us less incentive to go for Premier or higher rank.

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/jalmile/flyon/ugp.html

I'm not sure how much you fly on OW and how much you use lounges in the airport, so I don't know how much you would value the OW Emerald status that Premier would give you. Personally I don't think it's worth 30K FOPs; OW Sapphire is useful enough as it is. Incidentally I'm going from JGC Diamond to JGC Dirt(TM) this year and all I can say is that OW Emerald status was nice while it lasted.

Thanks for the input! Agreed that no more upgrade points really dulls the benefits of being a Premier now.


Incidentally I'm going from JGC Diamond to JGC Dirt(TM) this year and all I can say is that OW Emerald status was nice while it lasted.

Wow, steep drop! JL doesn't do soft-landing? You still get to keep OW Sapphire, right?

JL doesnt do soft landing, but yes with JGC status I get to keep OW Sapphire (until JAL decides to devalue their program again haha)

until JAL decides to devalue their program again haha

You mean until they decide to dilute their programme again? :D

Oh and I just realised that you're technically guaranteed lifetime OW Sapphire with JGC now! :td:
Why should I bother to fly to keep up with JL anymore lol :(:(:(

You mean until they decide to dilute their programme again? :D

Oh and I just realised that you're technically guaranteed lifetime OW Sapphire with JGC now! :td:
Why should I bother to fly to keep up with JL anymore lol :(:(:(

Nothing is guaranteed. JAL could revert back to the previous rules at any time they want which those who don't fly enough will only be OW Ruby

JL doesnt do soft landing, but yes with JGC status I get to keep OW Sapphire (until JAL decides to devalue their program again haha)

They did extend everyone's status an extra year 2 or 3 years ago. I was grateful for it though it did not impact me much.

The somewhat permanent JGC status is why I decided to enroll in JMB. When I was researching all the FF mileage programs, the fact that it did not expire stood out. Sure, eventually I knew that the program would change or I would no longer have the 5k miles deduction to keep the status but I have enjoyed it while it has lasted. ^

Nothing is guaranteed. JAL could revert back to the previous rules at any time they want which those who don't fly enough will only be OW Ruby

They did extend everyone's status an extra year 2 or 3 years ago. I was grateful for it though it did not impact me much.

The somewhat permanent JGC status is why I decided to enroll in JMB. When I was researching all the FF mileage programs, the fact that it did not expire stood out. Sure, eventually I knew that the program would change or I would no longer have the 5k miles deduction to keep the status but I have enjoyed it while it has lasted. ^
We`ve had sooo many talks about this and personally i believe if you live outside of Japan you should be most concerned as you would be axed before anything happens those JGC members in Japan as for us it`s a credit card benefit and we pay every year for it (no points deduction that change any as easily - they could always just raise the mount of points required for annual fee!) plus Japanese look after their own and with ANA still continuing SFC i am sure we`ll be fine but i bet that is what people thought about Upgrade points...... and look what happened!

The best thing I found nice about Premier aside from getting OW Emerald and the associated benefits when flying OW airlines (especially F Lounge access) was the upgrade points scheme. It used to be that you could get 30 upgrade points for Premier and 20 upgrade points for Sapphire, the difference of 10 upgrade points being more than enough to upgrade from Y to C on long haul flights JAL. Unfortunately JAL decided to axe the upgrade points scheme altogether, which gives us less incentive to go for Premier or higher rank.

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/jalmile/flyon/ugp.html

I'm not sure how much you fly on OW and how much you use lounges in the airport, so I don't know how much you would value the OW Emerald status that Premier would give you. Personally I don't think it's worth 30K FOPs; OW Sapphire is useful enough as it is. Incidentally I'm going from JGC Diamond to JGC Dirt(TM) this year and all I can say is that OW Emerald status was nice while it lasted.
CANman is a traditional business flyer and flew mainly in C. For those flying in C there`s not a heck of a lot of difference between Premier and Sapphire. I think the best things so far i`m aware of aside from the OW benefits are.........


F priority tags for checked luggage
priority support phone wise (different agents from JGC but same as Diamond desk)
seat blocking in both Y and C, whilst I skipped premier and became diamond i flew two domestic flights and the entire plane was like full and i had the entire exit row to myself (this was on JTA flights so i couldn`t select my seats before check in and didn`t ask about it on check in either so i was pretty impressed)
personal welcomes so far for me that`s been 100%,
no miles expiring,
Premier GIFTS - worth about 20 k yen but naturally Diamond gifts are better,
priority boarding domestically (OW Emerald only),
century 21 club entry
last year you got a few F upgrade coupons for domestic travel vs just a couple of class j upgrade coupons.

Totally OT but what i really want to know is if i am in Y can i ask for C items, so far i`m yet to fly in Y as a Diamond but really want to know as i could when flying with QF. Don`t attack me Packster for asking this as it`s a valid question, why would they give you those items.... because you`re diamond!

CANman is a traditional business flyer .........
CANman :D^



priority support phone wise (different agents from JGC but same as Diamond desk)


This item I'm pretty disappointed with JAL's "priority" service as it's only available during business hours and also they will only help people from their region.



Premier GIFTS - worth about 20 k yen but naturally Diamond gifts are better,


Yes, this is a good benefit to mention :) Prem and Dia have a choice of various benefit packages or physical goods to choose from.



century 21 club entry


This one I never used while I was Prem/Dia


Totally OT but what i really want to know is if i am in Y can i ask for C items, so far i`m yet to fly in Y as a Diamond but really want to know as i could when flying with QF. Don`t attack me Packster for asking this as it`s a valid question, why would they give you those items.... because you`re diamond!
I got some C snacks and drinks in Y when flying CX . I enjoyed the recognition they gave me as a OW Emerald. On JAL, I haven't had success with asking for C stuff, there was a time when they wouldn't even hang up my suit jacket when I flew in whY.

CANman :D^


This item I'm pretty disappointed with JAL's "priority" service as it's only available during business hours and also they will only help people from their region.


Yes, this is a good benefit to mention :) Prem and Dia have a choice of various benefit packages or physical goods to choose from.


This one I never used while I was Prem/Dia


I got some C snacks and drinks in Y when flying CX . I enjoyed the recognition they gave me as a OW Emerald. On JAL, I haven't had success with asking for C stuff, there was a time when they wouldn't even hang up my suit jacket when I flew in whY.

I see Ex-KIXman. Yeah the priority phone service should be 24/7 or longer than normal service offered to everyone else. It should be noted that another benefit is the Diamond/Premier number is free to call from land lines and mobiles unlike JGC which is i think only free from landlines.

Century club 21 would be great if you are a 50 going on 70 years old.

CX are a leader in OW elite recognition and are the exception rather than the rule of thumb. It`s a shame JAL doesn`t look after their own elites onboard the way CX does for their own and others. That`s insane they wouldn`t hang up your jacket unless the space was full but i find that hard to believe.

CX are a leader in OW elite recognition and are the exception rather than the rule of thumb. It`s a shame JAL doesn`t look after their own elites onboard the way CX does for their own and others. That`s insane they wouldn`t hang up your jacket unless the space was full but i find that hard to believe.
If you want premium service, pay for it with either cash or miles. You aren't entitled to anything that's not published. "Shame" and "insane" wouldn't be my words of choice to describe it when people decline to provide extra services that you aren't entitled for. Personally I prefer airlines looking after their paying (cash and miles) premium passengers and not dilute their premium cabins and services by giving them away for free.

Back to topic, note that unless OP has moved and hasn't update his profile, he isn't Japan base and some of the points won't apply to him.

If you want premium service, pay for it with either cash or miles. You aren't entitled to anything that's not published. "Shame" and "insane" wouldn't be my words of choice to describe it when people decline to provide extra services that you aren't entitled for. Personally I prefer airlines looking after their paying (cash and miles) premium passengers and not dilute their premium cabins and services by giving them away for free.

Back to topic, note that unless OP has moved and hasn't update his profile, he isn't Japan base and some of the points won't apply to him.
Hmmmm i guess that thinking isn`t working that well if JAL is so bankrupt. Hanging a jacket up is hardly going to cost them more money unless there`s something i`m missing here.

I thought he lived in the US? Not sure what his flight patterns are but hopefully he does travel to and from Japan naturally a lot of the JGC benefits are based around surprise surprise someone living and flying out of Japan.

Hmmmm i guess that thinking isn`t working that well if JAL is so bankrupt. Hanging a jacket up is hardly going to cost them more money unless there`s something i`m missing here.

I thought he lived in the US? Not sure what his flight patterns are but hopefully he does travel to and from Japan naturally a lot of the JGC benefits are based around surprise surprise someone living and flying out of Japan.

Well all I can say is they have record operating profits :rolleyes: And the Japanese carriers were doing a lot better than say CX who saw a profit drop of 60% last year. And it doesn't mean that airlines or anyone has to provide you something even if that cost them nothing (money wise) to do so. Anyway, if you want to discuss this further, you can start a new thread as this is getting way off topic.

OP probably not that interested in the differences that don't apply to him. E.g. calling JAL is free even for non-JMB members in the US.

oh talking about the phone lines, do note that you cannot touch the benefits, the phone line, and everything else of a different region if you're registered in one - and the phonelines (up to Diamond i believe) in each region do not run around the clock.

record operating profit of a company that had a facelift 2 years means nothing to a anyone. and to a flyer it means the benefits are terrible.

Actually, benefits aside, flying with ANA is way more enjoyable. although this may have nothing to do with getting JGC vs SFC...

PS. kids toys are not entitled for adults. if you believe in not getting what's not published they you should have rejected all offers of Opup and kids toys.
Very against the spirit of FT and should start going to a holy church - i'll leave that for OMNI PR.

Well all I can say is they have record operating profits :rolleyes: And the Japanese carriers were doing a lot better than say CX who saw a profit drop of 60% last year. And it doesn't mean that airlines or anyone has to provide you something even if that cost them nothing (money wise) to do so. Anyway, if you want to discuss this further, you can start a new thread as this is getting way off topic.

OP probably not that interested in the differences that don't apply to him. E.g. calling JAL is free even for non-JMB members in the US.

please show us some nominal numbers. 1 to 20 is 1900% growth but 1B to 400M is 60% drop.

talking about which JAL isnt even a listed company so who knows what the real P&L is.

oh talking about the phone lines, do note that you cannot touch the benefits, the phone line, and everything else of a different region if you're registered in one - and the phonelines (up to Diamond i believe) in each region do not run around the clock.

record operating profit of a company that had a facelift 2 years means nothing to a anyone. and to a flyer it means the benefits are terrible.

Actually, benefits aside, flying with ANA is way more enjoyable. although this may have nothing to do with getting JGC vs SFC...

PS. kids toys are not entitled for adults. if you believe in not getting what's not published they you should have rejected all offers of Opup and kids toys.
Very against the spirit of FT and should start going to a holy church - i'll leave that for OMNI PR.

There's a difference between people think they are entitled to something that they aren't and getting upset for not getting it vs being offered something at good will or other reasons.

Yes, you need to contact the JMB office of your region if you need to do something related JMB. But that's not a difference between Sapphire and Premier. It applies to all JMB members.

please show us some nominal numbers. 1 to 20 is 1900% growth but 1B to 400M is 60% drop.

talking about which JAL isnt even a listed company so who knows what the real P&L is.

You can do your own research if you want to find the numbers as once again this has nothing to do with Sapphire vs Premier for the OP.

There's a difference between people think they are entitled to something that they aren't and getting upset for not getting it vs being offered something at good will or other reasons.

Yes, you need to contact the JMB office of your region if you need to do something related JMB. But that's not a difference between Sapphire and Premier. It applies to all JMB members.



You can do your own research if you want to find the numbers as once again this has nothing to do with Sapphire vs Premier for the OP.

there is. the profitability of JAL would change what would be offered to OP. and how the OP uses his benefits it would change JAL's profitability, and hence may not be the most profitable next year.

Anyways, if you're not entitled for sth you should not accept it period. Very clear cut, so if you were offered a toy as an adult you should not deprived another kid's opportunity to get the toy.

To the Original Poster....Sapphire vs Premier
(If you fly JAL metal a lot it might make sense)

1. You get F tags flying any class (JAL metal)
2. miles dont expire
3. If you fly domestic flights in Japan a lot you get S vs A category for waitlist...
4. Priority boarding for domestic flights
5. no more upgrade points so this is moot...

If you are doing ANY extra flying getting premier (30k in your case) i would say save your money..

I'm dropping from Diamond to Crystal (qualified as of now) or sapphire (if I even get enough biz trips until the end of the year)

I am not doing any MR to get premier or diamond unless I get unexpected biz trips in the next 5 months...

Oh just to add (has nothing to do with premier vs sapphire)

JAL has record profits because they don't have to pay taxes for 7 years (because of bankrupcy laws in Japan allows this) that's why they got crazy profits

If JAL had to pay taxes....hahaha watch 35-60% of that go buh bai

what about SFC premier?

what about SFC premier?

doesn't exsist! lol

Bronze
Platinum
Diamond
SFC

those are the only ANA levels ...this is way off topic :o

To the Original Poster....Sapphire vs Premier
(If you fly JAL metal a lot it might make sense)

1. You get F tags flying any class (JAL metal)
2. miles dont expire
3. If you fly domestic flights in Japan a lot you get S vs A category for waitlist...
4. Priority boarding for domestic flights
5. no more upgrade points so this is moot...

If you are doing ANY extra flying getting premier (30k in your case) i would say save your money..

I'm dropping from Diamond to Crystal (qualified as of now) or sapphire (if I even get enough biz trips until the end of the year)

I am not doing any MR to get premier or diamond unless I get unexpected biz trips in the next 5 months...

It's F vs JGC tags. JGC bags come after F bags anyway. Most of the time it doesn't make much difference.

I would say if OP really wants to do a MR, go for diamond instead, at least you get extra FLY ON bonus on top of the extra benefits. Or even consider switching to NH and get Plat. They still give out upgrade points. If you usually qualify for mid tier elite with your usual flying pattern, you don't really need SFC or JGC and I would value the upgrade points more than other benefits.

Oh just to add (has nothing to do with premier vs sapphire)

JAL has record profits because they don't have to pay taxes for 7 years (because of bankrupcy laws in Japan allows this) that's why they got crazy profits

If JAL had to pay taxes....hahaha watch 35-60% of that go buh bai

I know the corporate tax rate is hight, but I don't think it's 60% :p By the way, NH also posted record operating profit last year. That's why I said Japanese carriers were doing a lot better not just JAL.

CX are a leader in OW elite recognition and are the exception rather than the rule of thumb. It`s a shame JAL doesn`t look after their own elites onboard the way CX does for their own and others. That`s insane they wouldn`t hang up your jacket unless the space was full but i find that hard to believe.

Yeah, that additional personal touch (over and above whatever may be "official") is to me what makes for great service. If everything were to be done by the book it would be like you're only important to the airline on the ground, but in the air they don't care who you are. And isn't the flight experience one of the things we value as frequent flyers?

Wow thanks everyone for your replies. It's really helpful :)

Just a technical question: does your check-in baggage get plastic-wrapped if you use F c/i when you're Premier?

Maybe they should work harder on differentiating their offerings or maybe there isn't a need for two separate tiers? It is also a pity that JL doesn't provide a dedicated phone line for its elites (I'm Europe-based, I understand that they do that in NA and in Japan?) and that their JMB centres can't help each other out :(

But well, in any case, who am I to teach them how to run their airlines eh? ;)

To the Original Poster....Sapphire vs Premier
(If you fly JAL metal a lot it might make sense)

1. You get F tags flying any class (JAL metal)
2. miles dont expire
3. If you fly domestic flights in Japan a lot you get S vs A category for waitlist...
4. Priority boarding for domestic flights
5. no more upgrade points so this is moot...

If you are doing ANY extra flying getting premier (30k in your case) i would say save your money..

I'm dropping from Diamond to Crystal (qualified as of now) or sapphire (if I even get enough biz trips until the end of the year)

I am not doing any MR to get premier or diamond unless I get unexpected biz trips in the next 5 months...
Basically everything i said and more but less the upgraded domestic wait list priority which i forgot.

There is a promo running at the moment for half the amount of miles to upgrade to C to short haul and Syd/Del but again if you don't live in Japan or Syd or Del which is not helpful as other promo is PY for half miles for long haul. Not sure if those promos are just for Japan region or everyone.
It's F vs JGC tags. JGC bags come after F bags anyway. Most of the time it doesn't make much difference.

I would say if OP really wants to do a MR, go for diamond instead, at least you get extra FLY ON bonus on top of the extra benefits. Or even consider switching to NH and get Plat. They still give out upgrade points. If you usually qualify for mid tier elite with your usual flying pattern, you don't really need SFC or JGC and I would value the upgrade points more than other benefits.

Going from Sapphire to Diamond if he's not Japan based is going to be pretty hardcore if he's paying for it himself. JAL upgradable fares are nearly half the price vs what NH charge but i haven't looked ex USA so not sure if it's the same there but just trying to use all those upgrade points might cost you more than getting to Platinum. If you don't live in Japan then kiss SFC good bye as an idea.
Wow thanks everyone for your replies. It's really helpful :)

Just a technical question: does your check-in baggage get plastic-wrapped if you use F c/i when you're Premier?

Maybe they should work harder on differentiating their offerings or maybe there isn't a need for two separate tiers? It is also a pity that JL doesn't provide a dedicated phone line for its elites (I'm Europe-based, I understand that they do that in NA and in Japan?) and that their JMB centres can't help each other out :(

But well, in any case, who am I to teach them how to run their airlines eh? ;)
Wrapping? I think only some counters have this and you have to ask from what i've seen. I never bother about it nor have asked. Doesn't seem a big thing for me.

When you say needs to be more differences, do you mean between Sapphire and Premier or Premier and Diamond? There's still enough between either of the two i think. Basically when you reach Premier you're living it up anyway. Diamond you get 25% bonus and the other best benefit which is any seat availability for double miles. But again this all only matter if you actually fly JAL. Makes no difference really if you are flying around on ummmm BA or something.

Don't bother calling a different region for support which you won't get you anywhere. BA used to give me the same crap when i called a different region but eventually helped you.

BTW what is SGC Premier (from title name)? Is that suppose to be JGC Premier?

BTW what is SGC Premier (from title name)? Is that suppose to be JGC Premier?

Oops haha I just caught it too, thanks!!^

Would the mod please help me rectify the typo? :D

Oops haha I just caught it too, thanks!!^

Would the mod please help me rectify the typo? :D
So what's the verdict? Going for premier?

I don't think I'll be doing any MR or going out of my way to step up to Premier now haha :p

I was looking to see if ANA would be a better fit but tbh I kinda felt cheating when I did it, so probably I'll just sit and see what JL has for us next year then decide if I wanna jump ship.

Thanks though everyone, its interesting to see how everyone sees the value of JGC Sapphire vs JGC Premier :)

Going from Sapphire to Diamond if he's not Japan based is going to be pretty hardcore if he's paying for it himself. JAL upgradable fares are nearly half the price vs what NH charge but i haven't looked ex USA so not sure if it's the same there but just trying to use all those upgrade points might cost you more than getting to Platinum. If you don't live in Japan then kiss SFC good bye as an idea.
You don't really need SFC or JGC if you qualify for at least mid tier elite by your regular flying. The extra benefits are just marginal. ex-USA is pretty reasonable and I value UGPs more than other benefits. That's why I would rather spend the resources on attaining Plat instead of getting JGCP. Doesn't hurt to have status on another alliance either if OP doesn't already have *G

Wow thanks everyone for your replies. It's really helpful :)

Just a technical question: does your check-in baggage get plastic-wrapped if you use F c/i when you're Premier?

Maybe they should work harder on differentiating their offerings or maybe there isn't a need for two separate tiers? It is also a pity that JL doesn't provide a dedicated phone line for its elites (I'm Europe-based, I understand that they do that in NA and in Japan?) and that their JMB centres can't help each other out :(

But well, in any case, who am I to teach them how to run their airlines eh? ;)

You don't need to be an elite to get the plastic wrap. Just ask the check-in agents and they will give it to you if it's available.

You don't really need SFC or JGC if you qualify for at least mid tier elite by your regular flying. The extra benefits are just marginal. ex-USA is pretty reasonable and I value UGPs more than other benefits. That's why I would rather spend the resources on attaining Plat instead of getting JGCP. Doesn't hurt to have status on another alliance either if OP doesn't already have *G
Yeah but JGC and SFC helps for the future when you know your flying with decrease. Always happens.....

Yeah but JGC and SFC helps for the future when you know your flying with decrease. Always happens.....

He has JGC as the back up. It's not hard at all to cough up 5K miles to maintain that. If you want something for your future, go for the real lifetime status offered by airlines like AA.

Oh just to add (has nothing to do with premier vs sapphire)

JAL has record profits because they don't have to pay taxes for 7 years (because of bankrupcy laws in Japan allows this) that's why they got crazy profits


The 7-year tax loss carry-forward applies to all corporations, not just bankrupt ones.

If NH wants a similar tax break to JL then they are welcome to lose similarly astronomical sums of money to build up those loss carry-forwards. I doubt this would please NH's investors, though.