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Earlier this week, JetBlue TrueBlue members gained the ability to redeem points for award seats on Japan Airlines, creating exciting opportunities for travel between the U.S. and Japan.
Initially, award availability in premium cabins was limited mainly to last-minute bookings and business-class seats. However, there has since been a notable increase in availability for first-class awards, as well as some business-class options, accessible using JetBlue TrueBlue points over the upcoming months.
As reported by Roame, Japan Airlines has made a significant number of award seats available to JetBlue TrueBlue members. Most of this availability is in premium cabins, especially first class, which does require a substantial number of TrueBlue points.
Some travelers may hesitate to transfer points from partnerships like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards, fearing this might be a mistake fare. We shared similar concerns.
However, our attempt to book a first-class award from Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport (HND) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for June went smoothly. The reservation processed correctly, and we even managed to select our seats on Japan Airlines’ website, indicating that this is a legitimate offer. Still, evaluate your own risk tolerance before making any transfers or bookings.
Here’s what you should know if you plan to take advantage of this offer.
Deal Overview
Airline: Japan Airlines
Routes: Flights between Tokyo’s Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) to several U.S. airports, including:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Booking Method: Available through JetBlue.com. While Japan Airlines is a Oneworld partner of American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, these awards are not currently bookable via those programs.
Book By: ASAP
Travel Dates: Now through March 2026
Costs:
- 59,000 JetBlue TrueBlue points each way for business class between Japan and the U.S.
- 165,000 points each way between Japan and Los Angeles or San Francisco.
- 185,000 points each way for flights to other cities such as Chicago, Dallas, and New York.
- Taxes and fees are approximately $15 when flying outbound from the U.S. and can be up to $280 when departing Japan, depending on your class of service.
Best Flights to Book
While there was ample business-class availability recently, the majority of premium award space is currently in first class. This is exciting for luxury travelers but also means you’ll need approximately three times the TrueBlue points for a first-class ticket compared to business class.
If business class is your preference (who wouldn’t want it for just 59,000 points each way!), your best options are flights out of Los Angeles or San Francisco during the summer months.
Do keep in mind that Japan Airlines has excellent business and first-class cabins, but differences exist based on the route and aircraft. The airline exclusively operates its Airbus A350-1000s with luxurious new suites between Haneda and New York and Dallas. Other listed routes are flown by various aircraft featuring older seat designs, including Boeing 787-9s and 777-300ERs.
If you can position yourself to New York or Dallas, the experience of the airline’s newest offerings is definitely worth it. JAL’s A350-1000 first class even claimed the 2024 Flying Frugal Award for best new first class due to its spacious suites, stylish finishes, cutting-edge technology (including massive 43-inch entertainment screens), and unparalleled amenities and service.
If your focus is simply on traveling comfortably between the U.S. and Asia, Japan Airlines remains an excellent choice for service and comfort.
Best Ways to Earn JetBlue TrueBlue Points
JetBlue TrueBlue partners with several credit card rewards programs, allowing point transfers at the following ratios:
For transfers, Chase or Citi are your best bets, as their transfer ratios are more favorable than American Express. For instance, booking a one-way first-class award from New York to Tokyo would require 185,000 points from Chase or Citi, compared to 231,250 from Amex. Keep this in mind.
Always ensure that the award flight you wish to book is available before transferring points since these transfers are irreversible.
Conclusion
Japan Airlines has made premium award space much more attainable recently through JetBlue TrueBlue points redemption. Since the ability to book these awards became available earlier this week, there have been notable offerings, particularly in business class. The current level of award availability for both business and first class on several JAL routes for months is truly remarkable.
While caution is advisable before making bookings, our own successful first-class reservation assures us this is not a mistake fare. Given the valuable points required, ensure you have a specific, bookable award in mind prior to transferring any credit card points. And if you fly JAL first class, you can expect an unforgettable experience that justifies all those points spent.
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