Want to score a free flight with Japan Airlines? Hereâs how!
Dreaming of a budget-friendly Japan trip from the Philippines? With Japan Airlines (JAL), savvy travelers can leverage frequent flyer programs and credit card perks to significantly reduce travel expenses. Additionally, JALâs promotions offer free domestic flights within Japan for international round-trip ticket holders, making it easier to explore more without spending a fortune. Hereâs your ultimate guide, fellow travelers!
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1. Join the JAL Mileage Bank (JMB)
Feel sky high when you travel to Japan via airplane. Photo Credit: @dfwairport on Instagram
If you havenât signed up for Japan Airlinesâ frequent flyer program, JAL Mileage Bank (JMB), nowâs the time! Every flight you take with JAL or its partner airlines earns you miles, which can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or discounts on your next Japan trip.
How to Earn JMB Miles:
- Fly with Japan Airlines or partner airlines (like American Airlines and Cathay Pacific)
- Book hotels and car rentals through JAL partners
- Use JAL-affiliated credit cards for daily purchases
- Shop through JALâs online mall
đKlook Tip: If you frequently travel to Japan for business or leisure, make sure to always enter your JMB number when booking flights to maximize your miles.
2. Take Advantage of Credit Card Rewards
Source: rupixen of Unsplash
One of the fastest ways to earn free flights with Japan Airlines is through credit card rewards. Some banks in the Philippines allow you to convert points into JMB miles.
Best Credit Cards for Earning JAL Miles:
- BDO Elite Credit Cards - Earn points that can be transferred to JMB miles.
- HSBC Premier Mastercard - Offers airline miles conversion.
- Citi PremierMiles Card - Points can be converted to JAL miles.
đ Klook Tip: Check with your local bank if they offer rewards transfers to JAL or other airline partners. Some promotions also offer bonus miles for new cardholders!
3. Look out for JAL Promotions & Giveaways
Japan Airlines frequently runs promotions, such as mileage bonuses, flight giveaways, and special discounts for members. Follow their website and social media pages to stay updated.
đKlook Tip: Keep an eye on travel expos in Manila or Cebu, where airlines like JAL sometimes offer exclusive deals or free mileage promos.
4. Redeem Miles for Free Flights
cr. bobby_hendry from Unsplash
Once youâve accumulated enough JMB miles, you can redeem them for free flights on Japan Airlines. The number of miles required depends on your departure city and flight class.
Approximate Mileage Needed for a Free Flight from Manila:
đKlook Tip: If youâre short on miles, consider using JALâs âmiles + cashâ option to book your flight at a lower cost.
5. Fly During Off-Peak Seasons
Kairakuen Garden during sakura season. Credit: Ibaraki Prefectural Government
JAL offers lower mileage redemption rates during off-peak seasons. If your Japan trip is flexible, consider traveling in months when demand is lower, such as February or September, to maximize your miles.
đKlook Tip: Avoid peak travel months like April (Cherry Blossom season) and December (Christmas holidays) when ticket prices and mileage requirements are higher.
6. Use Stopovers & Partner Airlines Wisely
Photo Credit: www.pexels.com/photo/an-airborne-plane-with-wheels-down-5758968/
Did you know you can redeem JAL miles for flights with its oneworld alliance partners, like British Airways or Qatar Airways? This can expand your route options and help you reach Japan for fewer miles.
Extra Perk: Free Stopovers in Japan!
đKlook Tip: If youâre planning a multi-country trip, consider redeeming miles with partner airlines for flights from Manila to another destination before heading to Japan.
7. Earn Miles Through Everyday Shopping
Source: Jezael Melgoza of Unsplash
Even if youâre not a frequent flyer, you can still rack up JMB miles by shopping at JAL-affiliated stores:
Ways to Earn Miles while shopping:
- Shop through JALâs online mall to earn miles on every purchase
- Use rewards platforms like ShopBack or Lazada with a credit card that allows airline mile conversions.
- Dine at JMB partner restaurants when in Japan to earn extra miles.
8. Maximize Your JAL Mileage Expiry Date
Cozy up on a Shinkansen or bullet train to travel long distances in Japan! Credits: @khunfour on Instagram
JAL miles expire after 36 months, so keep track of your balance and plan your redemptions wisely. If youâre close to an expiration date, consider topping up your miles with small purchases or transfers.
đKlook Tip: Some banks in the Philippines allow you to transfer credit card points to JAL miles in small amounts, so you donât waste your miles.
9. Join JAL Family Club (For Families Traveling Together)
There are many ways to enjoy train travel in Japan! Credits: Klook
If you travel frequently with family members, JAL offers a Family Club Program where you can combine miles to redeem a free flight faster.
Why This Helps:
- Ideal for families traveling to Japan for vacationsâparents and kids can pool miles for future trips.
- Great for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) visiting from Japan, since miles can be shared.
Ready to Fly for Free?
With the right strategy and planning, a free flight with Japan Airlines is within reach! Whether itâs through JMB miles, credit card points, or exclusive promotions, your dream Japan trip could cost you nothing. Start earning those miles today and get ready to take off! âď¸
