Japan: Take a Punt or Wait
Apr 30, 2022, 6:01 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 883
Japan: Take a Punt or Wait
I’m looking at possibly going to Japan in November (if they have re-opened to tourists).
Currently I can get reward availability both ways on BA.
If I book an avios redemption is it covered by BWC?
If Japan is not re-opened to tourists would I be likely just to get the avios & taxes back. I doubt I would have many rebooking options to different destinations due possible lack of award availability.
Does it seem sensible to book for Japan now when I can get reward availability on BA or would I be best waiting till it’s confirmed if they will be re-opening for tourists?
Currently I can get reward availability both ways on BA.
If I book an avios redemption is it covered by BWC?
If Japan is not re-opened to tourists would I be likely just to get the avios & taxes back. I doubt I would have many rebooking options to different destinations due possible lack of award availability.
Does it seem sensible to book for Japan now when I can get reward availability on BA or would I be best waiting till it’s confirmed if they will be re-opening for tourists?
Apr 30, 2022, 6:21 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Programs: BA Gold, Mucci
Posts: 2,065
I’m looking at possibly going to Japan in November (if they have re-opened to tourists).
Currently I can get reward availability both ways on BA.
If I book an avios redemption is it covered by BWC?
If Japan is not re-opened to tourists would I be likely just to get the avios & taxes back. I doubt I would have many rebooking options to different destinations due possible lack of award availability.
Does it seem sensible to book for Japan now when I can get reward availability on BA or would I be best waiting till it’s confirmed if they will be re-opening for tourists?
Currently I can get reward availability both ways on BA.
If I book an avios redemption is it covered by BWC?
If Japan is not re-opened to tourists would I be likely just to get the avios & taxes back. I doubt I would have many rebooking options to different destinations due possible lack of award availability.
Does it seem sensible to book for Japan now when I can get reward availability on BA or would I be best waiting till it’s confirmed if they will be re-opening for tourists?
However, if you cancel an award flight, you get everything back apart from £35, don't you? That's my understanding of it anyway. Obviously if the flights are cancelled, you'll get everything back.
My view has been to make the bookings now. Once travel reopens, it's likely award availability will be taken pretty quickly. I've been booking travel as normal and well in advance, which has worked out for me, as fares increased once travel came back, but I was already booked on the much lower fares available beforehand.
You really have nothing to lose by booking now, in my opinion.
Apr 30, 2022, 3:26 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: London
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 327
As mentioned it won't be covered by BWC, but it's an Avios redemption so you can cancel for £35 per person. You might as well book as the downside is very limited.
Japan is, I think, the only major tourist destination apart from mainland China that has not even spoken about a schedule or roadmap for reopening for tourism. I'd hesitate to say it's likely they'll be open as normal by November, but you don't have much to lose by booking it.
Japan is, I think, the only major tourist destination apart from mainland China that has not even spoken about a schedule or roadmap for reopening for tourism. I'd hesitate to say it's likely they'll be open as normal by November, but you don't have much to lose by booking it.
