Originally Posted by CPH-Flyer

If you are planning to fly JAL from UK to Australia it might make sense, however there are a few pointers on the JAL program that is worth being aware of.

1. In order to qualify for status, 50% of the required Fly On Points ("tier points") needs to come from JAL group flights. JL coded flights
2. Unless you make it to emerald, points expire 36 months after they are earned, no option to extend
3. As you want to upgrade from economy to business with your miles, be aware that only K, H, B, and Y fares are upgradable that way. In the Japanese market, that makes the tickets rather pricey. Check what you'd be paying from UK to get one of these fares. Also the higher end premium economy fare are upgradable.
4. As for earning on economy class, only B and Y fares earn 100% sector miles, the rest are 70% or below.

The chance of getting a status match with JAL is pretty low, normally it only happens in connection with the transfer of major corporate contracts. But you can always as, the worst that happens can only be a 'no'