GWave,

I am also based in Japan, but for a while I had my address still registered in the States. Once I found out about the A/P Gold getting free lounge access, I changed my address that day. I travel a bunch so the lounge access was a very welcomed perk, this year I am at 141,000 EQM already, so you can imagine that the free beer and peace and quiet of the lounge is much appreciated. Plus after a long trans-pac the WC in DTW or MSP is a nice place to spend a few hours.

I guess you need to way the 33,000 yen against how many flights you will be taking next year and whether you think you can drink 33,000 worth of alcohol in that time. Just my two cents.

Also if you are flying out of NGO sometime, let me know I may be on your flight.

NGO-NWA