Japan Airlines (JAL) is restoring first class service to Australia, representing a remarkable opportunity to enjoy first class using miles.
As of September 1, 2020, Japan Airlines will add a daily 777-300ER flight between Tokyo Haneda and Sydney. The 4,837 miles flight is blocked at 9 hours, 50 minutes in both directions and will operate according to the following schedule:
- JL51 Tokyo (HND) – Sydney (SYD)
- dep 7:20PM arr 6:10AM+1
- JL52 Sydney (SYD) to Tokyo (HND)
- dep 8:15AM arr 5:05PM
JAL has loaded two first class award seats per day on the new route. You can book these for 60K AA miles each, which represents a remarkable value. You can even add a domestic connection in both Japan and Australia if you can find the space: it will still price at 60K and is bookable on aa.com. These awards are also bookable with other oneworld programs like Qantas and British Airways, though at much higher prices and with additional surcharges.
Alaska Airlines also partners with JAL and offers a lucrative award chart, but does not allow bookings to Australia, even if redemptions start or end in North America.
If using AA miles, you will need to purchase or redeem a separate ticket between North America or Europe and Tokyo, but why not throw in a couple days of Tokyo on your way to Australia?
CONCLUSION
I’ve called my last Japan Airlines first class flight the best flight of my life…I argue why here.
I’m very excited to see JAL restore first class service to Australia and encourage you to jump on this award space if you are considering a trip to Australia or if you are in Australia and looking for a great product to Asisa and beyond.
> Read More: Why JAL First Class Was The Best Flight Of My Life
> Read More: JAL 777-300ER First Class Review
(H/T: One Mile at a Time)
The other bonus to this is the SYD Qantas First lounge for those of us who aren’t Emeralds, even if it’s a breakfast departure like JL771/772.
Excellent point.
“Japan Airlines (JAL) is restoring first class service to Japan,”
I think you mean “to Austrailia”
Richard
Correct!
https://twitter.com/LiveandLetsFly/status/1223665879084359681?s=20