So recently I was searching for possibilities of traveling to Japan in this Sommer from Europe. By AF/KL the revenue tickets cost really a lot: eco flights MUC-CDG-HND and HND-AMS-MUC cost round 1200€. And award tickets only have less availabilities in Biz. Also searching for flights to Osaka KIX had less results.

Then I came up with idea, firstly fly to China and then from China to somewhere in Japan. Luckily, I could find the following route:
PVG-KIX with China Eastern Airlines in Eco, price: 9500 Miles + 50€
KIX-PVG with China Eastern Airlines in Eco, price: 9500 Miles + ca. 90€
The revenue tickets with the same flights in Eco would cost at least round 300€.

At first glance it is not a good deal with miles. However, none of revenue cabin class by CEA allows cancellation without penalty. Even the most expensive cabin in Eco needs around 130€ for cancellation. And for Ultis of Flyingblue, I can cancel or modify flights anytime on my wish. So that from my point of view, the award tickets are much more flexible than revenue.

Notice: I have also searched for flights between Shanghai and Tokyo. Unfortunately although the system shows plenty of available flights, they are in reality only system error and don't exist.