Booking JAL domestic flights
Jul 11, 2019, 4:25 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 13
I'd only use Avios on domestic JAL flights if I had a mountain of Avios - look up the JAL Japan Explorer Pass - flights are super cheap for non-Jap residents. These fares can also be upgraded to Business for just JPY1,000 (albeit on a standby basis at check-in)
Jul 11, 2019, 9:42 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: LHR
Programs: baec
Posts: 6
Jul 11, 2019, 9:43 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: LHR
Programs: baec
Posts: 6
I’ve never heard of that before, will look into it!
Jul 11, 2019, 11:10 pm
#8
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Battleaxe Alliance
Posts: 22,127
Remember that domestic "business class" (called "Class J") on JL) doesn't give you any food or extra drinks. It's just a bit better seat but you could still end up in a middle seat, especially when booking at the last minute e.g. standby.
Jul 12, 2019, 12:26 am
#9
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 42,964
Jul 12, 2019, 12:48 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,047
I had been looking for domestic flights for 2020. Lots of availability would show on ba.com but the transaction would never complete. So I assume that the 60-day rule is still applying.
Jul 12, 2019, 1:44 am
#11
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Japan
Programs: NH Diamond, JL JGC Diamond, BA Gold Guest List(Gold for life), CX Diamond
Posts: 1,580
For JAL pure/standalone domestic flight by avios, CURRENTLY, 60days advance.
Several months ago, it was 62 days advance by avios.
Because JAL own JMB member can book 2 months advance (NOTE, 2 months aren't 60days/61days/62day see below).
As JAL JMB member you can book
31 Aug flight at 30 Jun (62 days advance)
31 Jul flight at 31 May (61 days advance)
31 Mar flight at 31 Jan (59 days advance).
Previously, Avios redemption can book 62 days advance. IMHO, by some complaint, it has been changed to 60 days advance now.
Of course, a few years ago, Avios redemption can book 330 days advance even a pure domestic flight.
About redemption combining with an international flight, JAL provides award in 360 days advance.
So, 353/354/355 days limit is BA booking system limitation.
I find HIJ-HND-LHR award on 30Jun2020 on today(12Jul2019 JST).
BTW, On 12 September 2019, JAL domestic flight can be book 330 days advance. Yes, drastic change.
So, probably, domestic only flight award situation will change.
About class J/First class same day standby based upgrade,
you can upgrade from ANY TICKET (including redemption tickets, group fare, etc.) by paying 1000/8000 JPY respectively.
Several months ago, it was 62 days advance by avios.
Because JAL own JMB member can book 2 months advance (NOTE, 2 months aren't 60days/61days/62day see below).
As JAL JMB member you can book
31 Aug flight at 30 Jun (62 days advance)
31 Jul flight at 31 May (61 days advance)
31 Mar flight at 31 Jan (59 days advance).
Previously, Avios redemption can book 62 days advance. IMHO, by some complaint, it has been changed to 60 days advance now.
Of course, a few years ago, Avios redemption can book 330 days advance even a pure domestic flight.
About redemption combining with an international flight, JAL provides award in 360 days advance.
So, 353/354/355 days limit is BA booking system limitation.
I find HIJ-HND-LHR award on 30Jun2020 on today(12Jul2019 JST).
BTW, On 12 September 2019, JAL domestic flight can be book 330 days advance. Yes, drastic change.
So, probably, domestic only flight award situation will change.
About class J/First class same day standby based upgrade,
you can upgrade from ANY TICKET (including redemption tickets, group fare, etc.) by paying 1000/8000 JPY respectively.
Jul 12, 2019, 1:51 am
#12
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Japan
Programs: NH Diamond, JL JGC Diamond, BA Gold Guest List(Gold for life), CX Diamond
Posts: 1,580
One is vegetable mix juice, and one is special green tea.
Jul 13, 2019, 7:10 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2016
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 457
I read this post and thought £7.35 for an upgrade to Business must be a typo, but sure enough Mrs Starship73 and I just checked in for our Tokyo to Hiroshima domestic flight on an explorer pass and have secured the standby upgrade to Business for the princely sum of ¥946 each! Thank you so much for the super-helpful post!
Jul 15, 2019, 9:48 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 534
If you are flying on a route which has it, JAL's domestic first class is also worth considering. An upgrade starts at 4000 yen. Whereas their business class is basically just a nicer seat, the first class offering includes an even nicer seat with food and alcohol.
