Feel free to contribute to this FAQ and give suggestions. Thanks

Welcome to the Japan Airlines Forum! This is the FAQ thread for JAL and JAL Mileage Bank (JMB).

This thread is based on the Unofficial Guide to Japan Airlines and JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) started by sipples back in 2006 but unfortunately sipples has switched to the darkside since then and the information in the original FAQ are outdated. Therefore I have started this FAQ thread and hopefully will help people answer some general questions on JAL and JMB.

I will try to follow the format of the AA FAQ thread. Therefore if you have suggestions or corrections specifically pertaining to this FAQ, please feel free to post them directly to this thread. Please do NOT post your individual questions here. This thread is reserved for discussing the content of the FAQ itself. If you have a question that is not answered directly by one of the FAQ entries, please find and post to the appropriate thread. Remember you are always welcome start a new thread for your specific questions! Thanks for your cooperation.

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Elite Status
• What are the JMB elite status?
• What is JAL Global Club?
• If I'm a JMB elite, which oneworld elite level am I?
• How can I qualify for JMB elite status?
• Does JAL codeshare flights operated by other carriers considered as JAL Group flights for FOP calculation?
• What are FLY ON points? How do I earn them?
• How are FLY ON points calculated?
• When do I qualify for elite status?
• How will I know I am an elite JMB member?
• Does JAL offer status matches or Challenges?
• Does JAL offer lifetime status?
• Can I purchase elite status?
• Can I qualify for elite status without flying?
• What is the Century 21 Club? Are there any other "secret" benefits given to JMB elite

Upgrades and Awards
• Do JMB elites enjoy free business class or first class upgrades?
• How do I book award travel using my JMB miles?
• Will I still earn JMB miles on award travel?
• What will happen to my miles if I cancel my award ticket?
• When can I book my award ticket?
• How do I reserve an upgrade?
• Are discounted upgrades available at check in?
• Which fares are upgradeable? How do I book them?
• Can I upgrade an Award ticket?
• Will I get F/C mileage credit for my upgraded flight?
• I want to redeem an award but don't have enough miles, can I purchase miles through JMB?
• Are there one-way awards?


JMB Account Maintenance
• When do JMB miles expire? Is there any way to extend their life?
• Is there a minimum mileage credit for JAL flights?
• How are miles calculated?
• How long does it take for miles and points to post to my account?
• How reliable is JAL in posting miles to my JMB account?
• Are there JMB mileage-earning credit cards?

Before You Fly
• Can I order a special meal on JAL? Can I do so online?
• Can I preassign seats? Can I do so online?
• Can I check in online? When can I do it?
• Where do I find JAL seat maps?

At the Airport
• What terminal does JAL use at Narita (NRT)?
• What terminal does JAL use at Haneda (HND)?
• How early should I arrive for check in?
• Does JAL have electronic kiosk check in?
• Is there an elite security line at Narita?
• Is there an elite security line at Haneda?
• Are discounted upgrades available at check in?
• Will I have to pay checked baggage fees?
• Will I have lounge access on my itinerary?
• Which lounge will I have access base on my class of travel if I am connecting between flights which I travel on different classes?
• Can I purchase a lounge pass?
• What is JAL's boarding procedure?

Onboard
• Do I have to pay for my drinks and food onboard?
• What's JAL's inflight entertainment like?
• What is MAGIC?
• Where can I find the IFE programs on my flights?
• Where can I find the menu on my flights?
• Can I reserve my meal choice in advance?
• What is JAL's aircraft seating like?
• Does JAL serve alcohol in all classes?
• How much carry on luggage can I bring aboard?
• What kind of plug do I need for power port?
• Does JAL provide Wi-Fi service onboard?
• Is the JAL SKY Wi-Fi service FREE?

Upon Arrival
• Does JAL have arrival lounge?
• What are the priority baggage handling order?