Help!! What's the cheapest way to get JGC
#1
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 15,562
Help!! What's the cheapest way to get JGC
This is not for myself as I am a JGC member already. But thanks to the recent changes on the JAL Global Club program, a couple of people have asked me what the are cheapest ways to attain JGC. I am starting this thread so everyone can benefit from the discussion (and save me some time
)
Below are something to consider
1. If you live in Japan, apply for JALCard so you can earn 10-20% more FOPs during the campaign period
2. No, JAL is not running (at least haven't announced) any kind of double FOPs promotion. The only bonus FOP campaigns are the JALCard one and the regular 400 FOPs bonus on certain fares.
3. The quickest way probably is to do a domestic mileage run. A short flight e.g. HND-ITM can earn as much as 1072 FOPs if you fly in Y (100% mileage rate) but this will not earn you the most miles.
4. International mileage run will give you better miles/yen but it takes a much longer time to complete and might cost more because of the hotel cost.
So here is the challenge question, how to obtain JMB Sapphire with minimum cost? Anyone?
Update: I have created a post (#4) to list the current cheapest routes. By the way, no prize for the winner

Below are something to consider
1. If you live in Japan, apply for JALCard so you can earn 10-20% more FOPs during the campaign period
2. No, JAL is not running (at least haven't announced) any kind of double FOPs promotion. The only bonus FOP campaigns are the JALCard one and the regular 400 FOPs bonus on certain fares.
3. The quickest way probably is to do a domestic mileage run. A short flight e.g. HND-ITM can earn as much as 1072 FOPs if you fly in Y (100% mileage rate) but this will not earn you the most miles.
4. International mileage run will give you better miles/yen but it takes a much longer time to complete and might cost more because of the hotel cost.
So here is the challenge question, how to obtain JMB Sapphire with minimum cost? Anyone?
Update: I have created a post (#4) to list the current cheapest routes. By the way, no prize for the winner

Last edited by JALPak; Mar 15, 10 at 11:47 pm

#2
formerly ssw207
Join Date: Apr 2000
Programs: BAGld, JLJGC, TK*G, EK-G, HH Dia,IHG Amb-PE, Bonvoy Gd, Shangrila DM
Posts: 657
For the above itinerary:
HKG-NRT J = 3818 FOP, 2279 Miles
NRT-JFK J = 8822 FOP, 8422 Miles
JFK-NRT J = 8822 FOP, 8422 Miles
NRT-HKG J = 3818 FOP, 2279 Miles
One roundtrip yields 25280 FOPs and 42804 miles (due to double miles campaign for 2010)
Ticket costs HKD36000 tax+surcharges inclusive (~USD 4635) per trip using fare DHKPA (D Class).
So two of these round trips for USD9270 would yield a total of 50560 FOPs (JGC & Sapphire qualification) and 85608 miles.
Last edited by ffs852; Mar 15, 10 at 10:16 pm

#3
formerly ssw207
Join Date: Apr 2000
Programs: BAGld, JLJGC, TK*G, EK-G, HH Dia,IHG Amb-PE, Bonvoy Gd, Shangrila DM
Posts: 657
Alternatively, the above can be completed with two roundtrips HKG-JFK in K class (70% accrual) which costs HKD12000 (~USD1550) per ticket and two more HKG-JFK in N class (50% accrual) which costs HKD9500 (~USD1200) per ticket.
The total would yield a total of 51868 FOPs at approximately USD5500 all inclusive.
But I will feel very sorry for your friends' backside and bottom with so much longhaul Y.
The total would yield a total of 51868 FOPs at approximately USD5500 all inclusive.
But I will feel very sorry for your friends' backside and bottom with so much longhaul Y.

#4
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 15,562
Current Cheapest Mileage Run Routes
JAPAN
Osaka:
- 3x ITM-NRT-LAX roundtrips (70% miles), 1x ITM-NRT-JFK roundtrip (70% miles). 340,310 yen* / 50,604 FOPs / 69,190 miles
(by JALPak, #13; inspired by fumitani, #12)
- 50 x ITM-TJH sectors in combination of Tokubin 1 and Birthday/Sakitoku fare. 355,800-367,000 yen / 5,300 miles / 50 sectors with 15,150 FOPs (by JALPak, #7)
Nagoya
- 3x NGO-NRT-JFK-ORD-NRT-NGO (70% miles), 1x NGO-NRT-HKG-NRT-NGO (70% miles). 365,000 yen* / 50,521 FOPs / 64,385 miles (by JAL Pak, #21; remark by kojiro, #22)
ASIA
Hong Kong:
- 4x HKG-NRT-JFK roundtrips, 1 in K an 3 in N classes. USD 5,200 / 75,340 miles / 51,610 FOPs (originally by ssw207, #2; modified by JALPak #8)
* Required hotel stays which might cost more..
Osaka:
- 3x ITM-NRT-LAX roundtrips (70% miles), 1x ITM-NRT-JFK roundtrip (70% miles). 340,310 yen* / 50,604 FOPs / 69,190 miles
(by JALPak, #13; inspired by fumitani, #12)
- 50 x ITM-TJH sectors in combination of Tokubin 1 and Birthday/Sakitoku fare. 355,800-367,000 yen / 5,300 miles / 50 sectors with 15,150 FOPs (by JALPak, #7)
Nagoya
- 3x NGO-NRT-JFK-ORD-NRT-NGO (70% miles), 1x NGO-NRT-HKG-NRT-NGO (70% miles). 365,000 yen* / 50,521 FOPs / 64,385 miles (by JAL Pak, #21; remark by kojiro, #22)
ASIA
Hong Kong:
- 4x HKG-NRT-JFK roundtrips, 1 in K an 3 in N classes. USD 5,200 / 75,340 miles / 51,610 FOPs (originally by ssw207, #2; modified by JALPak #8)
* Required hotel stays which might cost more..
Last edited by JALPak; Mar 19, 10 at 6:48 pm

#5
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: JGC Premier, One World Emerald
Posts: 143
I'm going to leave the scheduling permutations/combinations and mileage calculations to the FT veterans.
Instead, I would suggest that you might try booking your travel through a Japanese travel agent and getting to know your local JAL sales representative through the agent.
Might cost you a dinner or two, but I'm sure you know some good Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles, JALPak.
Instead, I would suggest that you might try booking your travel through a Japanese travel agent and getting to know your local JAL sales representative through the agent.
Might cost you a dinner or two, but I'm sure you know some good Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles, JALPak.


#6
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 15,562
I'm going to leave the scheduling permutations/combinations and mileage calculations to the FT veterans.
Instead, I would suggest that you might try booking your travel through a Japanese travel agent and getting to know your local JAL sales representative through the agent.
Might cost you a dinner or two, but I'm sure you know some good Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles, JALPak.
Instead, I would suggest that you might try booking your travel through a Japanese travel agent and getting to know your local JAL sales representative through the agent.
Might cost you a dinner or two, but I'm sure you know some good Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles, JALPak.


But if anyone wants to introduce me some single pretty JAL female staff, I don't mind paying for dinners


#7
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 15,562
22 x ITM-TJH (TAJIMA) on Tokubin 1 fare @ 7,900 yen each
Miles = 53 * 22 * 2 (2x miles promotion) = 2,332 miles
FOPs = (53 * 120% (JALCard promotion) + 400) * 22 = 11,594 FOPs
Cost = 7,900 * 22 = 173,800 yen
28 x ITM-TJH (TAJIMA) on Birthday fare (@6,500 yen each)/Sakitoku fare (@6,900 yen each)
Miles = 53 * 28 * 2 (2x miles promotion) = 2,968 miles
FOPs = 53 * 120% (JALCard promotion) * 28 = 3,556 FOPs
Cost = 6,500 * 28 = 182,000 yen (Birthday) or 6,900 * 28 = 193,200 yen (Sakitoku)
Total Cost: 355,800 yen (with Birthday fare) or 367,000 yen (with Sakitoku fare). It can go even lower with Shareholder discount but let's not go there
Total Sectors: 50
Total FOPs: 15,150 (> min 15,000 requirement)
Total Miles: 5,300 (obviously not the best for miles per yen)
Miles = 53 * 22 * 2 (2x miles promotion) = 2,332 miles
FOPs = (53 * 120% (JALCard promotion) + 400) * 22 = 11,594 FOPs
Cost = 7,900 * 22 = 173,800 yen
28 x ITM-TJH (TAJIMA) on Birthday fare (@6,500 yen each)/Sakitoku fare (@6,900 yen each)
Miles = 53 * 28 * 2 (2x miles promotion) = 2,968 miles
FOPs = 53 * 120% (JALCard promotion) * 28 = 3,556 FOPs
Cost = 6,500 * 28 = 182,000 yen (Birthday) or 6,900 * 28 = 193,200 yen (Sakitoku)
Total Cost: 355,800 yen (with Birthday fare) or 367,000 yen (with Sakitoku fare). It can go even lower with Shareholder discount but let's not go there

Total Sectors: 50
Total FOPs: 15,150 (> min 15,000 requirement)
Total Miles: 5,300 (obviously not the best for miles per yen)
Last edited by JALPak; Mar 16, 10 at 1:18 am Reason: Updated with 2x miles promotion number

#8
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 15,562
Alternatively, the above can be completed with two roundtrips HKG-JFK in K class (70% accrual) which costs HKD12000 (~USD1550) per ticket and two more HKG-JFK in N class (50% accrual) which costs HKD9500 (~USD1200) per ticket.
The total would yield a total of 51868 FOPs at approximately USD5500 all inclusive.
But I will feel very sorry for your friends' backside and bottom with so much longhaul Y.
The total would yield a total of 51868 FOPs at approximately USD5500 all inclusive.
But I will feel very sorry for your friends' backside and bottom with so much longhaul Y.
HKG-NRT in K: 1,823 * 70% * 1.5 * 120% (JALCard) + 400 = 2,697 FOPs
HKG-NRT in N: 1,823 * 50% * 1.5 * 120% (JALCard) = 1,641 FOPs
NRT-JFK in K: 6,737 * 70% * 120% (JALCard) + 400 = 6.095 FOPs
NRT-JFK in N: 6,737 * 50% * 120% (JALCard) = 4,042 FOPs
Total: 57,756 FOPs
I think it's possible to do 1 HKG-NRT-JFK roundtrip in K and 3 in N
Total FOPs: 51,610
Total Miles: 75,340
Total Cost: USD 5,200

#9
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 15,562
By the way, I just notice the JALCard mile bonuses are missing in my calculations...


#10
formerly ssw207
Join Date: Apr 2000
Programs: BAGld, JLJGC, TK*G, EK-G, HH Dia,IHG Amb-PE, Bonvoy Gd, Shangrila DM
Posts: 657
I think after the 4x HKG-NRT-JFK MR, your friend will definitely need a Wheelchair pickup at the gate...



#11
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
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Join Date: Mar 2008
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Posts: 15,562

#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: UKB
Posts: 11,430
Okay let me challenge JALPAK.
ITM-NRT-JFK-NRT-ITM 91070 yen per roundtrip
ITM-NRT = 280 x 2 (domestic) x 120% (JAL Card) + 400 = 1072
NRT-JFK = 6737 x .7 x120% + 400 = 6059
Total of 57048 if you do this roundtrip 4 times. ( I feel sorry for your back)
Total cost of 364280
Or if you don't get the 400 FOP bonus per sector you still come in safe.
ITM-NRT = 280 x 2 (domestic) x 120% (JAL Card) = 672
NRT-JFK = 6737 x .7 x120%= 5659
50648! JALPAK beat this.
I think your butt will like you more than flying between ITM and Tajima 50 times!
You get to visit NYC four times for three days each.....
Okay I tried doing
NRT-SIN-NRT it would take 8.98 trips costing about 404000yen
ITM-NRT-SIN-NRT-ITM would take 7.23 trips costing about 404000yen
will update some other ways.
ITM-NRT-JFK-NRT-ITM 91070 yen per roundtrip
ITM-NRT = 280 x 2 (domestic) x 120% (JAL Card) + 400 = 1072
NRT-JFK = 6737 x .7 x120% + 400 = 6059
Total of 57048 if you do this roundtrip 4 times. ( I feel sorry for your back)
Total cost of 364280

Or if you don't get the 400 FOP bonus per sector you still come in safe.
ITM-NRT = 280 x 2 (domestic) x 120% (JAL Card) = 672
NRT-JFK = 6737 x .7 x120%= 5659
50648! JALPAK beat this.
I think your butt will like you more than flying between ITM and Tajima 50 times!

Okay I tried doing
NRT-SIN-NRT it would take 8.98 trips costing about 404000yen
ITM-NRT-SIN-NRT-ITM would take 7.23 trips costing about 404000yen
will update some other ways.
Last edited by fumitani; Mar 16, 10 at 8:18 am

#13
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 15,562
Okay let me challenge JALPAK.
ITM-NRT-JFK-NRT-ITM 91070 yen per roundtrip
ITM-NRT = 280 x 2 (domestic) x 120% (JAL Card) + 400 = 1072
NRT-JFK = 6737 x .7 x120% + 400 = 6059
Total of 57048 if you do this roundtrip 4 times. ( I feel sorry for your back)
Total cost of 364280
Or if you don't get the 400 FOP bonus per sector you still come in safe.
ITM-NRT = 280 x 2 (domestic) x 120% (JAL Card) = 672
NRT-JFK = 6737 x .7 x120%= 5659
50648! JALPAK beat this.
I think your butt will like you more than flying between ITM and Tajima 50 times!
You get to visit NYC four times for three days each.....
Okay I tried doing
NRT-SIN-NRT it would take 8.98 trips costing about 404000yen
ITM-NRT-SIN-NRT-ITM would take 7.23 trips costing about 404000yen
will update some other ways.
ITM-NRT-JFK-NRT-ITM 91070 yen per roundtrip
ITM-NRT = 280 x 2 (domestic) x 120% (JAL Card) + 400 = 1072
NRT-JFK = 6737 x .7 x120% + 400 = 6059
Total of 57048 if you do this roundtrip 4 times. ( I feel sorry for your back)
Total cost of 364280

Or if you don't get the 400 FOP bonus per sector you still come in safe.
ITM-NRT = 280 x 2 (domestic) x 120% (JAL Card) = 672
NRT-JFK = 6737 x .7 x120%= 5659
50648! JALPAK beat this.
I think your butt will like you more than flying between ITM and Tajima 50 times!

Okay I tried doing
NRT-SIN-NRT it would take 8.98 trips costing about 404000yen
ITM-NRT-SIN-NRT-ITM would take 7.23 trips costing about 404000yen
will update some other ways.
I found a way to beat you

ITM-NRT-LAX is only 83,080 yen per roundtrip and will earn 12,114 FOPs plus 16,402 miles.
ITM-NRT = 280 x 2 (domestic) x 120% (JALCard) + 400 (FOPs bonus) = 6,72 FOPs
NRT-LAX = 5,458 x .7 x120% (JALCard) + 400 (FOPs bonus) = 4,985 FOPs
So
3 x ITM-NRT-LAX roundtrips = 36,342 FOPs, 49,206 miles (2x miles)
1 x ITM-NRT-JFK roundtrip = 14,262 FOPs, 19,984 miles (2x miles)
Total FOPs: 50,604
Total Miles: 69,190
Total Cost: 83,080 * 3 + 91070 * 3 = 340,310 yen
Beat my previous low by 15,490 yen! But of course you have to factor in hotel for your stays in LAX and JFK, this might end up being more expensive than my previous MR routes)
Anyone has ideas on ex-Tokyo MR?
Last edited by JALPak; Mar 16, 10 at 10:48 pm

#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: UKB
Posts: 11,430
Effective April 1, all fares that earn 70% miles qualify for the 400 bonus (with the exception of 'X' fare which is still unclear whether it will earn the bonus or not. JAL still hasn't got back to me)
I found a way to beat you
ITM-NRT-LAX is only 80,000 yen per roundtrip and will earn 12,114 FOPs plus 16,402 miles.
ITM-NRT = 280 x 2 (domestic) x 120% (JALCard) + 400 (FOPs bonus) = 6,72 FOPs
NRT-LAX = 5,458 x .7 x120% (JALCard) + 400 (FOPs bonus) = 4,985 FOPs
So
3 x ITM-NRT-LAX roundtrips = 36,342 FOPs, 49,206 miles (2x miles)
1 x ITM-NRT-JFK roundtrip = 14,262 FOPs, 19,984 miles (2x miles)
Total FOPs: 50,604
Total Miles: 69,190
Total Cost: 80,000 * 3 + 91070 * 3 = 331,070 yen
Beat my previous low by 24,730 yen! But of course you have to factor in hotel for your stays in LAX and JFK, this might end up being more expensive than my previous MR routes)
Anyone has ideas on ex-Tokyo MR?
I found a way to beat you

ITM-NRT-LAX is only 80,000 yen per roundtrip and will earn 12,114 FOPs plus 16,402 miles.
ITM-NRT = 280 x 2 (domestic) x 120% (JALCard) + 400 (FOPs bonus) = 6,72 FOPs
NRT-LAX = 5,458 x .7 x120% (JALCard) + 400 (FOPs bonus) = 4,985 FOPs
So
3 x ITM-NRT-LAX roundtrips = 36,342 FOPs, 49,206 miles (2x miles)
1 x ITM-NRT-JFK roundtrip = 14,262 FOPs, 19,984 miles (2x miles)
Total FOPs: 50,604
Total Miles: 69,190
Total Cost: 80,000 * 3 + 91070 * 3 = 331,070 yen
Beat my previous low by 24,730 yen! But of course you have to factor in hotel for your stays in LAX and JFK, this might end up being more expensive than my previous MR routes)
Anyone has ideas on ex-Tokyo MR?
The fare is 60000yen + 23070 taxes and surcharges so the total is not 80000yen you need to change it to 83070! that will change your cost a bit.

#15
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
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Join Date: Mar 2008
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Programs: JAL Mileage Bank Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 15,562

Last edited by JALPak; Mar 16, 10 at 8:07 pm
