Aug 4, 2015, 1:37 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
GUIDE to redeeming AA miles for Japan Air Lines awards:
For 2012-2015 posts, please see
ARCHIVE: AA Award on JL / JAL / Japan Airlines (master thd)
For further information, see:
HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver award questions, assistance
oneworld and Other Airline (Partner) Awards info, rules 2014 on
- JL awards are now shown show and can be booked on aa.com
- AwardNexus (free to FlyerTalk members for basic searches) will also reveal, and (for a fee) alert, on JL award seats
- AA awards on JL must be MileSAAver (AAnytime awards are only available on AA marketed and AA operated flights)
- There are no onerous fuel or carrier-imposed surcharges using AAdvantage miles for awards using JL
- JL initially releases awards to AAvantage members 330 days out at 10:00 am JST time (18:00 PDT, 17:00 PST). Note, JL award inventory is released to members of other FFPs 360 day out and updates award and revenue seat award availability once daily ~09:30-12:00 Pacific time
- JL may release 0-2 F and 0-4 J award seats initially; until taken they remain available up to three months from release
- No further seats are likely to be released until shortly (~14 days) prior to scheduled departure - but the last F seat will be retained for sale, not released into award inventory
- No stopovers are allowed on AA awards. Connections may be as long as 23:59.
- Only JAL Mileage Bank members can waitlist awards
- All awards for domestic Japan will default to Economy (including international F or J award with domestic segments); these can often be upgraded at reasonable cost at the ticket counter in the Japan connecting airport
- If JL & QF are showing availability, but AA can't see it, try calling the Australia AA center as it may be a point-of-sale issue
For 2012-2015 posts, please see
ARCHIVE: AA Award on JL / JAL / Japan Airlines (master thd)
For further information, see:
HELP DESK: MileSAAver / SAAver award questions, assistance
oneworld and Other Airline (Partner) Awards info, rules 2014 on
AAdvantage Award on JL / JAL / Japan Airlines (2016-2023)
Aug 5, 2019, 4:48 pm
#1261
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
Update: BOS-CTS booking issue
I tried the AU call center again at 0600L and was routed to POS once again. However, the agent in POS was able to issue the requested award (BOS-TYO-CTS and v.v.). As expected, she didn’t see any award space on TYO-CTS and started checking alternate dates.
After some typing, she told me she’d been able to confirm the space in both directions on my original dates. So I had her issue the tickets. I asked her if she’d had to search manually and she said she’d done something like that (presumably a long sell). The tickets are pending now, but I’ve got PNRs and the miles have been deducted. So it looks good.
All told, it took around 10 phone calls to get this issued: 3 to EXP Desk, 5 to AU/NZ (redirected to POS) and 1 each to JP and HK. What an enormous pain in the neck, especially when AAgents won’t even consider the idea that maybe their systems aren’t infallible.
I’ll also add that of the 3 EXP agents I spoke to, one was excellent, one was average and one (the supervisor) was both unhelpful and unprofessional. After refusing to long sell, the EXP supervisor left me hanging for a few minutes on an open line while he complained to a coworker about management and dealing with customers.
Kudos to AA for making something simple so difficult and unpleasant.
Saw that and mentioned it to several AAgents, even the excellent EXP desk agent. None could see anything in T/S. Not sure if it's a training issue or a system issue. I did specifically ask one EXP agent to attempt to long sell it and she was unable to get it to confirm. Ultimately, it was an agent at POS who was able to successfully long sell it.
I tried the AU call center again at 0600L and was routed to POS once again. However, the agent in POS was able to issue the requested award (BOS-TYO-CTS and v.v.). As expected, she didn’t see any award space on TYO-CTS and started checking alternate dates.
After some typing, she told me she’d been able to confirm the space in both directions on my original dates. So I had her issue the tickets. I asked her if she’d had to search manually and she said she’d done something like that (presumably a long sell). The tickets are pending now, but I’ve got PNRs and the miles have been deducted. So it looks good.
All told, it took around 10 phone calls to get this issued: 3 to EXP Desk, 5 to AU/NZ (redirected to POS) and 1 each to JP and HK. What an enormous pain in the neck, especially when AAgents won’t even consider the idea that maybe their systems aren’t infallible.
I’ll also add that of the 3 EXP agents I spoke to, one was excellent, one was average and one (the supervisor) was both unhelpful and unprofessional. After refusing to long sell, the EXP supervisor left me hanging for a few minutes on an open line while he complained to a coworker about management and dealing with customers.
Kudos to AA for making something simple so difficult and unpleasant.
See JohnNYC's link above for award class information. AA only recently added JAL availability and obviously they did not get it perfect the first time. JAL International Economy awards book into T class but domestic Economy books into S class. JAL domestic economy awards have historically only been available 60 days out when not married to an international award. It looks like the website is not marrying JAL domestic awards to the international segments more than 60 days out. I would think this should be possible through the call center but agents vary in their training so YMMV. You need to make sure the agent is searching for married segment (complete journey) availability and that the domestic segment award class is specified as S class. Since it's a mixed class itinerary (even in coach) with a non-standard economy booking class for the domestic segment I would not be at all surprised if their automated system does not handle it beyond 60 days out and this may only available as a long sell.
Last edited by swingaling; Aug 5, 2019 at 4:57 pm
Aug 15, 2019, 4:48 pm
#1262
Join Date: Mar 2019
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Gold
Posts: 723
Close-in Award Ticket
I’ve searched the forum to no avail - how close to departure is one able to book a JAL award?
Currently booked in F on JL5 JFK-HND. If my wife and I can get our act together in the morning I may want to switch to the earlier JL3 JFK-NRT, which has only one other person in the cabin as of now.
Could i change on the drive to JFK assuming there’s still availability? Thank you in advance!
Currently booked in F on JL5 JFK-HND. If my wife and I can get our act together in the morning I may want to switch to the earlier JL3 JFK-NRT, which has only one other person in the cabin as of now.
Could i change on the drive to JFK assuming there’s still availability? Thank you in advance!
Aug 17, 2019, 12:15 pm
#1263
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 75
I don't know of any limits, but for most places you're going in Tokyo, HND is going to be a way quicker trip to your hotel.
Aug 18, 2019, 6:51 am
#1264
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I’ve searched the forum to no avail - how close to departure is one able to book a JAL award?
Currently booked in F on JL5 JFK-HND. If my wife and I can get our act together in the morning I may want to switch to the earlier JL3 JFK-NRT, which has only one other person in the cabin as of now.
Could i change on the drive to JFK assuming there’s still availability? Thank you in advance!
Currently booked in F on JL5 JFK-HND. If my wife and I can get our act together in the morning I may want to switch to the earlier JL3 JFK-NRT, which has only one other person in the cabin as of now.
Could i change on the drive to JFK assuming there’s still availability? Thank you in advance!
Aug 18, 2019, 7:27 am
#1265
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: HH Lifetime Diamond, AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 586
Question for folks - I think I may have slightly missed an opportunity.
I am taking my daughter to Japan in April. Osaka and Tokyo - however I was under impression I had to add the intra-Japan flight at the 60 day window. Now thinking I have to do it at booking (or just pay for it - and that's fine but think i missed an opportunity so want to verify).
So the plan was PHL--> ORD --> NRT then at 60 days add NRT - KIX (Knowing it's Y). Spend two days in Osaka, train back to Tokyo - spend 5 days there and fly home.
Did I miss my option to get NRT --> KIX added for free as part of my trip or am I understanding correctly must be done at 60 day window?
I am taking my daughter to Japan in April. Osaka and Tokyo - however I was under impression I had to add the intra-Japan flight at the 60 day window. Now thinking I have to do it at booking (or just pay for it - and that's fine but think i missed an opportunity so want to verify).
So the plan was PHL--> ORD --> NRT then at 60 days add NRT - KIX (Knowing it's Y). Spend two days in Osaka, train back to Tokyo - spend 5 days there and fly home.
Did I miss my option to get NRT --> KIX added for free as part of my trip or am I understanding correctly must be done at 60 day window?
Aug 18, 2019, 7:35 am
#1266
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Question for folks - I think I may have slightly missed an opportunity.
I am taking my daughter to Japan in April. Osaka and Tokyo - however I was under impression I had to add the intra-Japan flight at the 60 day window. Now thinking I have to do it at booking (or just pay for it - and that's fine but think i missed an opportunity so want to verify).
So the plan was PHL--> ORD --> NRT then at 60 days add NRT - KIX (Knowing it's Y). Spend two days in Osaka, train back to Tokyo - spend 5 days there and fly home.
Did I miss my option to get NRT --> KIX added for free as part of my trip or am I understanding correctly must be done at 60 day window?
I am taking my daughter to Japan in April. Osaka and Tokyo - however I was under impression I had to add the intra-Japan flight at the 60 day window. Now thinking I have to do it at booking (or just pay for it - and that's fine but think i missed an opportunity so want to verify).
So the plan was PHL--> ORD --> NRT then at 60 days add NRT - KIX (Knowing it's Y). Spend two days in Osaka, train back to Tokyo - spend 5 days there and fly home.
Did I miss my option to get NRT --> KIX added for free as part of my trip or am I understanding correctly must be done at 60 day window?
If you decide to purchase NRT-KIX (although I would recommend ITM over KIX, if possible), take a look at the Japan Explorer Pass (or whatever it's called now), which might save you some money. There are also a number of LCCs that fly this route.
Aug 18, 2019, 7:44 am
#1267
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: HH Lifetime Diamond, AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 586
Yes, unfortunately you missed your window to add NRT-KIX for free. Although JL domestic tickets cannot be purchased by themselves more than 60 days before departure (this is changing soon), they can be added as part of an international reservation at booking. Changing your destination now will likely incur a $150 fee.
If you decide to purchase NRT-KIX (although I would recommend ITM over KIX, if possible), take a look at the Japan Explorer Pass (or whatever it's called now), which might save you some money. There are also a number of LCCs that fly this route.
If you decide to purchase NRT-KIX (although I would recommend ITM over KIX, if possible), take a look at the Japan Explorer Pass (or whatever it's called now), which might save you some money. There are also a number of LCCs that fly this route.
I am trying to balance a complete unwillingness to risk our F awards already booked and wanting to have the NRT --> KIX/ITM on the same ticket so protected in IRROPS. I would sooner pay the walkup fare for intra Japan flight rather than risk my F awards If i can't add it and keep everything else intact.
Aug 18, 2019, 7:47 am
#1268
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Thank you. That's mildly unfortunate user error. Do you happen to know if this would work as an EXP (I am; and have already qualified for next year too) without the $150 change fee?
I am trying to balance a complete unwillingness to risk our F awards already booked and wanting to have the NRT --> KIX/ITM on the same ticket so protected in IRROPS. I would sooner pay the walkup fare for intra Japan flight rather than risk my F awards If i can't add it and keep everything else intact.
I am trying to balance a complete unwillingness to risk our F awards already booked and wanting to have the NRT --> KIX/ITM on the same ticket so protected in IRROPS. I would sooner pay the walkup fare for intra Japan flight rather than risk my F awards If i can't add it and keep everything else intact.
Aug 18, 2019, 7:50 am
#1269
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: PHL
Programs: HH Lifetime Diamond, AA EXP, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 586
Thanks - I will try (and report back).
Aug 18, 2019, 2:10 pm
#1270
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 138
I've been trying to add a leg from ITM/KIX to HND/NRT to a NRT-USA award that is on hold. I called 4 times and none of the agents could see availability. When I asked one agent said she was searching S class but none is available. Any recommendation to get the domestic leg added? Thanks in advance.
Aug 18, 2019, 2:40 pm
#1271
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: UA, AS
Posts: 2,393
I've been trying to add a leg from ITM/KIX to HND/NRT to a NRT-USA award that is on hold. I called 4 times and none of the agents could see availability. When I asked one agent said she was searching S class but none is available. Any recommendation to get the domestic leg added? Thanks in advance.
Outside 60 days currently availability is married to an international segment so if you already have the international segment held I do not know if they will be able to do a married segment availability check on the complete journey unless there is current availability for the international segment outside your hold. Maybe agents have a workaround? This may all change later in September when JAL expands the domestic award availability window.
Aug 18, 2019, 3:09 pm
#1272
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 138
Is this for an award within the next 60 days where you can find availability yourself on the AA.com website? Should be no problem.
Outside 60 days currently availability is married to an international segment so if you already have the international segment held I do not know if they will be able to do a married segment availability check on the complete journey unless there is current availability for the international segment outside your hold. Maybe agents have a workaround? This may all change later in September when JAL expands the domestic award availability window.
Outside 60 days currently availability is married to an international segment so if you already have the international segment held I do not know if they will be able to do a married segment availability check on the complete journey unless there is current availability for the international segment outside your hold. Maybe agents have a workaround? This may all change later in September when JAL expands the domestic award availability window.
Aug 18, 2019, 4:16 pm
#1273
Join Date: May 2012
Location: LAX
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 127
Apologies if this has been asked before and my search skills need some work...
I am planning a trip to Japan with my wife and upcoming infant. It'll be our first time traveling with an infant. If I were to book via Avios on the way out in F (to take advantage of their mileage-based infant surcharge) and AAdvantage on the way back in economy, do you know what fare would be used to calculate the 10% infant surcharge? Would it be the one-way Japan->USA fare available the day I book the ticket? If so, that would probably add up to quite a bit, even in Y.
Thank you in advance to all the parents (and policy enthusiasts) on the forum!
I am planning a trip to Japan with my wife and upcoming infant. It'll be our first time traveling with an infant. If I were to book via Avios on the way out in F (to take advantage of their mileage-based infant surcharge) and AAdvantage on the way back in economy, do you know what fare would be used to calculate the 10% infant surcharge? Would it be the one-way Japan->USA fare available the day I book the ticket? If so, that would probably add up to quite a bit, even in Y.
Thank you in advance to all the parents (and policy enthusiasts) on the forum!
Aug 18, 2019, 6:52 pm
#1274
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: UA, AS
Posts: 2,393
I would try HUCA. If that does not work I think you might have a better chance to add a domestic segment once the award actually tickets.
Aug 29, 2019, 5:12 am
#1275
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,384
I am currently holding an award ticket from DFW-NRT-NGO in economy. If DFW-NRT in Business award availability becomes available for just DFW-NRT before my flight, can I upgrade just that segment? Or does availability need to be available as a married segment DFW-NRT-NGO at the time? My concern is that the specific flight I want to take for NRT-NGO would not be available at that time (it is just before the Japanese F1 Grand Prix near Nagoya). Thanks!