You'd think that would violate the ticket terms - JAL is welcome to be very restrictive on how many seats they make available, but if they never make any available (for any reason, including computer programming, which is well within their control) the passenger should have a legitimate gripe.

In principle but not in law. JL would just say it is a blackout on certain dates (April to July in this case), and blackout periods do not have to be disclosed. Lots of other airlines have certain days of week blacked out for various discounted fare products, but don't say "never on a Friday", etc. Pax learn the hard way. Until loads drop, this will only get worse.

Email from JAL
 

Here is a reply I received from JAL concerning this subject and specifically a flight I want in A (NRT-SIN)....


Dear Mr. LPeterman,



Thank you for your e-mail dated May 4, 2007. We appreciate your taking the time to contact us.



Regarding seating availability on Japan Airlines, please understand that while it is always our hope to provide the highest levels of accommodation to all of our passengers, in this ever-competitive environment, we must limit the amount of promotional fare seats available in each class of service. Should you currently hold a waitlisted reservation with us, we will immediately send notice to American Airlines in the event that your reservation becomes confirmed. Your kind understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated.



Please be assured that Japan Airlines has met all requirements for full membership into the oneworld alliance. The comments and suggestions of our valued customers, however, are greatly appreciated, and taken seriously, as we constantly strive to improve upon our service capabilities. As such, we have forwarded your correspondence to the appropriate departments for review.



In closing, allow us to once again thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to contact us. We thank you for your interest in Japan Airlines and the oneworld Explorer Fare, and look forward to the opportunity to serve you on your upcoming flights.



Best regards,



Customer Relations Desk

Customer Service and Support Center

The Americas

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Japan Airlines The Americas
Internet Help Desk
[email protected]

Well, they at least read Peterman's letter and responded specifically to it, and were culturally polite when they told him (and the rest of us) to pound salt. If they ever have make a seat available they'll be sure to tell American. Meanwhile, please stop wasting our people's time.

This game really is just about over. Even a year ago one could reasonably expect a premium seat to be available on any airline/route with just a few exceptions, given a day or two's flexibility. Today they're getting to be more like award seats, complete with a "we're doing you a favor" attitude.

number_6 commented the other day on how good JL is at this kind of nonsense: 'please, most honorable sir, up yours, thank you'.

I think JL is not really fare is using AWARD inventory for revenue pax. What are their corrosponding discount F Class booking code?

If you guys knew the full truth about JAl's financial condition, you'd find this position as utterly ridiculous as I do.

Bottom line, JAL needs OW more than OW needs JAL.

JAL Zeroed out
 

Earlier I posted the following:

I just booked a AONE4 and have 2 JAL segiments. PVG-NRT D class no problem, but the NRT-SIN is A0.

This flight isn't until 28 June, so there is plenty of time for me. Will report here if any news.

Today, 20 days before my AONE4 flight NRT-SIN, I'm happy to announce that two first class seats cleared for my wife and I. :)

Any update?
 

July 1 has passed. Does anyone have any updates on A class availability? I've scanned NRT-SIN-NRT for various dates in March and April 2008 and have found no A availability on any flight on any date.

There have been several posts recently reporting success with JL A class availability so I think the problem is no longer as widespread as before, when it seemed JL was just not going to make A class available, period.

Just got 2 A class confirmed on JAL for NRT-BKK for late March 2008.

I see A class on intra-Asia flights but no luck on any trans-pacific NRT-ORD/NRT-JFK.

I too am waitlisted on A class for Nov 8 with what looks like 0 seats sold in F.

Does calling JL have any effect on openning "A" seats?
 

I'm currently waitlisted for SIN-NRT in March 08. F shows 9 seats while A shows 0. I'm waitlisted for the flight in A but was curious if there is any way to get JL to open up an A seat.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Putting on a gorilla suit, climbing the Empire State building and pounding your chest is as likely as anything to get results. Second best is to pretend JAL isn't part of OneWorld.

Trying to book another RTW - JFK to NRT on A class all zero'd out - I have tried almost all days in Oct 2008. Strangely though, F class also zero'd out.