I’m seeing some strange award pricing and trying to figure out if this is a glitch or a quiet devaluation.
Previously, JFK–HND–OKA priced at 42,500 in economy, which was only 5k more than the nonstop JFK–HND (37,500). You could also connect to places like FUK or CTS for the same 42,500, an ITM/KIX often priced at 37,500, the same as JFK–HND. Now any itinerary that connects onward within Japan prices at 65k. The nonstop JFK–HND still shows 37,500, but the moment you add a domestic segment (OKA, FUK, CTS, ITM, etc.), it jumps to 65k.

I thought this might just be a JAL issue, but I’m seeing something similar with Cathay Pacific. BKK–HKG prices at 7,500, but if you add HKG–TPE (which should be possible with a stopover), the price jumps to 65k. Even booking the segments separately would only be 15k total.

Is anyone else seeing this behavior with partner awards when adding connections?