Well, that was unexpected! This morning Award Wallet was the first blog (to my knowledge) to report on this new arrangement. As someone who is planning a trip to Japan next year, I was very excited by this announcement. I don’t have a ton of Jet Blue points (about 75k), but I can transfer my Chase UR points on 1:1 basis if needed.
The rates seem to fluctuate and start at 29k Jet Blue points one-way in economy from the airports on the West coast. Premium economy seems to run at 59k points and business class at 64k points. Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, fuel surcharges do apply, which is a major bummer. You are currently looking at an extra $200 one-way, a bit less if starting in Hawaii.
This makes Jet Blue option only marginally better than British Airways Avios and Asia Miles programs, and only on certain routes (mostly in business class). Since Jet Blue gets access to JAL seats a few weeks after Avios program, this development isn’t really that much of a game changer.
Still, if you have a ton of Jet Blue points and don’t have any use for them, it’s a decent option for those looking to visit Japan. You may also consider transferring UR or Citi Thank You points on 1:1 basis for last-minute business-class award seats, especially if you don’t have Alaska or AA miles. Those cost roughly the same via miles, but don’t pass on fuel surcharges.
Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
@Aleks I agree that having more options is a good thing. I am planning to use Alaska and AA miles, though it’s nice to have Jet Blue as a backup. Competition for JAL seats is crazy, and we may have to settle for regular economy. I’m kind of hoping for premium economy, though.
I am wondering if fuel surcharges were not supposed to be added originally. Then again, the dollar amount mostly matches what JAL adds via Avios and similar programs. I guess we will have to wait and see. My concern is that Jet Blue often adds partner redemptions at a favorable rate, only to increase it substantially few weeks later.
It’s a good development. Now one can potentially redeem JetBlue points for flight to Europe AND Asia, plus the Middle East and Africa (if South African partnership still exist) – 5 continents total. That’s nice. Premium Economy rates are a bit steep, but business might be competitive with other programs if it remains at those levels (and if there is any availability).
Surcharges are a bummer and maybe the mistake that JetBlue will fix (fingers crossed), as with flights to Europe there are no surcharge. $200+ per person each way is a lot! Anyway they trying to edge other main US carriers in offering partner redemptions, without using their own metal (except for Europe, which proved to be a success).
If you are planning a trip to Japan – good luck at finding the space on your dates and using JB points – it would be a decent redemption option. JAL also became a transfer partner with Bilt recently, so that’s another way to collect with them directly for wider booking window.
Happy travels!!