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JetBlue has been on a roll lately with adding new partner redemption options. In the past year, the JetBlue TrueBlue program has launched partner redemptions on Etihad, Qatar, TAP Portugal, and most recently Icelandair. Now, we’ve uncovered another exciting addition: Japan Airlines.
Early this morning, JetBlue quietly launched award redemptions on the Tokyo-based airline. And, like other recent partner additions, the redemption rates are surprisingly good! But if recent history is any indication, these sweet spots might not last long.
Here’s what you need to know about this new JetBlue redemption opportunity — and how to book before anything changes.
JetBlue Award Chart for Japan Airlines Flights
JetBlue hasn't announced this new redemption option, nor has it released award charts for Japan Airlines redemptions. But, here's the award chart we've been able to piece together so far:
| Regions | Example Routes | Economy | Premium Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii to Japan | HNL-HND | 30,000 | 40,000 | 55,000 |
| U.S./Canada West Coast to Japan | SEA-NRT, LAX-KIX | 39,000 | 49,000 | 64,000 |
| U.S. East Coast to Japan | JFK-HND | 39,900 | 59,000 | TBD |
| U.S. West Coast to Southeast Asia | YVR-NRT-HKG | 53,400 | TBD | 99,000 |
| U.S. West Coast to Indian Subcontinent | SFO-NRT-BLR | 59,000 | 98,000 | 128,000 |
| Central Europe to Japan | FRA-NRT, HEL-HND | 29,000 | 59,000 | 59,000 (yep, the same as premium economy) |
| Western Europe to Japan | CDG-HND, LHR-HND | 34,500 | 59,000 | 79,900 |
| Central Europe to Southeast Asia | FRA-HND-MEL | 58,000 | TBD | TBD |
| Western Europe to Southeast Asia | CDG-HND-BKK | 59,900 | TBD | TBD |
Hawaii to Japan
The cheapest awards — and best award availability — are between the Hawaiian islands and Japan. Economy awards cost 30,000 TrueBlue points, but you can upgrade to premium economy for just 10k more points or splurge for JAL business class for 55,000 points each way:
West Coast to Japan
The next award chart region groups awards between the U.S./Canada West Coast and Japan. Between these regions, economy awards cost 39,000 TrueBlue points each way and premium economy awards price at a competitive 49,000 points one-way. However, the real sweet spot is business class for 64,000 points each way:
East Coast to Japan
Or you can fly all the way from the U.S. East Coast to Tokyo. Economy awards cost just under 40k JetBlue points while premium economy awards jump to 59k points each way. Unfortunately, we can't find any options in business class at this time.
Beyond Japan
While it is possible to redeem TrueBlue points for flights beyond Japan, the award rates increase rapidly. For example, you can fly from the U.S. West Coast to the Indian subcontinent via Tokyo for 59,000 points in economy, 98k points in premium economy, or a whopping 128k points in business class:
You can even redeem JetBlue points between Europe and Southeast Asia on JAL. For instance, we found one option from Paris (CDG) to Bangkok (BKK) via Tokyo for 59,900 points one-way:
On all of these awards, taxes and fees are higher than we'd like. It will still be cheaper — both in miles and out-of-pocket — to redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles for these awards. However, JetBlue points are a lot easier to accumulate. Speaking of which…
How to Top Off Your JetBlue Points Balance
If you need more JetBlue TrueBlue points to score a redemption on JAL, you have quite a few options. Just note that some transfer rates are better than others:
Final Thoughts
JetBlue’s new partnership with Japan Airlines is a big win for TrueBlue members — especially those sitting on points from transfer partners or JetBlue credit cards. Award pricing is very competitive, with business class awards to Tokyo starting at just 55,000 points.
But we’ve seen this before: JetBlue launches a partner redemption quietly, only to devalue it shortly afterwards. If you find an award that suits you, it may be wise to book it sooner rather than later.
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