Originally Posted by
estnet
Even though they changed from having to be on a tour, the new rules that allows for a (free) evisa still requires booking air and hotel with a tour agency meaning you can't use award ticket for this (just spoke to a tour company) but they are expecting another rule change but don't know what it is or when.
Nov 1 is still a 777- you can ask Alaska to ask their partner desk to request JL to open an award seat for you on Nov1. Of course, the schedule could change again, and of course, there is the question if you are eligible to enter Japan (who know what the rules will be then).
Already have my tourist eVisa issued so I'm good to enter regardless, but my hope is that visa waivers would prompt a surge in demand and an associated (positive) change in airline schedules.
My trip is short as it is so I'd rather not cut it short by a day. Apex suites seem like a nice product so I'm thinking I just keep the J seat and see what changes and/or opens up. Or if Alaska can ask their partner desk to open up space then I would be happy to route through LAX.