JMB (entry)
Free auto-enrollment. No FOP threshold.
- Earn JAL Miles + FLY ON Points on flights
- Online check-in priority
- Member-only offers
Airline
Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
JAL Mileage Bank is the loyalty program of Japan Airlines, a oneworld member operating from Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Tokyo Narita (NRT) with secondary hubs at Osaka Kansai (KIX) and Nagoya Chubu (NGO). JAL's flagship redemption product is the new A350-1000 First Class suite (six private suites per aircraft) on routes like JFK, ORD, and LAX, plus the Sky Suite III Business class. JAL also has the strongest US partner relationship in oneworld: a transpacific joint venture with American Airlines that lets US flyers earn JAL Miles on AA metal and vice versa.
For US based readers, JAL's defining structural quirk is limited US transfer partner access. Bilt Rewards (1:1), Capital One Miles (4:3, added September 2025), Citi ThankYou Points (1:1 from premium cards, 1:0.7 from other ThankYou cards), and Marriott Bonvoy (3:1) transfer directly. Amex and Chase do not transfer to JAL Mileage Bank. Capital One has run 30% transfer bonuses to JAL, so watch for those windows.
Two other notable events: June 10, 2025 brought a major award chart devaluation (US-Japan Economy 25K -> 27K, Business 50K -> 55K, First Class 70-100K -> 110-140K seasonal). March 31, 2026 ended the JetBlue partnership - JetBlue is no longer earnable or redeemable on JAL Mileage Bank.
JAL's biggest non-redemption draw is the JAL Global Club (JGC) lifetime status program. Hit JMB Sapphire (50,000 FOP in one calendar year) plus hold a JAL Card, and you qualify for permanent oneworld Sapphire-equivalent status - one of the best lifetime-status pathways in any airline program.
Award chart
The actual numbers. Get your nerd on, memorize the cheap ones.
The cheat sheet.
See the rates →
Award chart
The actual numbers. Get your nerd on, memorize the cheap ones.
The cheat sheet.
JAL Mileage Bank redemption structure
JAL uses two parallel charts:
| Chart | Routes | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|
| JAL International Award Chart | JAL-operated international flights | Region-pair x cabin x season; not distance-based |
| JAL Domestic Award Chart | JAL-operated domestic Japan flights | Distance zones (A through G); flat per-zone pricing |
| Partner Award Chart | oneworld + non-alliance partners | Distance-based, generally higher than JAL's own region-pair chart |
Carrier-imposed surcharges (fuel surcharges): Lower on JAL-operated metal than most major international carriers. Significantly cheaper than BA, Lufthansa, ANA. Surcharges are revised periodically.
Award Ticket PLUS: Variable higher-mileage pricing for Economy / Premium Economy / Business when base-level (saver) award space is exhausted. Does NOT apply to First class.
Booking window: 360 days in advance for JAL-operated awards (first-mover advantage over partners).
JAL international award chart (post-June 10, 2025; one-way base miles)
| Route (to/from Japan) | Economy | Premium Economy | Business | First (L/R/H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America (JFK/ORD/LAX/etc.) | 27,000 | 40,000 | 55,000 | 110,000-140,000 |
| Hawaii: Honolulu (HNL) | 20,000 | 30,000 | 43,000 | 90,000 to 110,000 |
| Hawaii: Kona (KOA) | 25,000 | 35,000 | 45,000 | 90,000 to 110,000 |
| Europe: London, Paris (LHR/CDG) | 27,000 | 40,000 | 57,000 | 110,000 to 140,000 |
| Europe: Frankfurt, Helsinki (FRA/HEL) | 23,000 | 38,000 | 55,000 | Helsinki 110,000 to 140,000; Frankfurt not offered |
| Southeast Asia: Bangkok (BKK, other than JL031/034) | 13,500 | 25,000 | 40,000 | check JAL |
| East Asia: Shanghai Pudong (PVG) | 10,000 | 15,000 | 24,000 | check JAL |
| Guam | 10,000 | n/a | 23,000 | n/a |
| Oceania: Sydney (SYD) | 23,000 | 31,000 | 45,000 | check JAL |
JAL domestic award chart (one-way base miles, tickets issued from October 1, 2026)
| Zone | Economy | Class J | First |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (short-haul) | 4,500 | 5,500 | no First |
| B | 5,500 | 6,500 | no First |
| C | 6,500 | 7,500 | 14,500 |
| D | 7,500 | 9,000 | 18,000 |
| E | 8,500 | 10,000 | 20,000 |
| F | 9,500 | 11,500 | 22,000 |
| G (long-haul) | 10,500 | 13,500 | 24,000 |
Domestic awards also use Award Ticket PLUS variable pricing, which runs higher than the base miles, when base space is unavailable.
Earning rates on JAL international flights (% of distance flown)
- First (F, A): 150%
- Business (J, C, D): 125%
- Business discounted (X, I): 70%
- Premium Economy (W): 100% / discounted (E): 70%
- Economy Flex (Y, B): 100%
- Economy Standard (H, K, M): 70%
- Economy Discount (L, V, S): 50%
- Economy Deep Discount (Q, N, O): 30-50%
Plus JMB tier bonus: Crystal +55%, Sapphire / JGC +105%, Diamond +130%.
Notable redemption pricing
- US-Japan Business: 55,000 JAL Miles one-way
- US-Japan First (Low season): 110,000 JAL Miles one-way
- US-Japan First (High season): 140,000 JAL Miles one-way
- Honolulu to Japan Business: 43,000 JAL Miles one way
- Japan to Bangkok Business: 40,000 JAL Miles one way (other than JL031/034)
- Intra-Japan domestic: from 4,500 JAL Miles one-way
Official chart: https://www.jal.co.jp/ar/en/jalmile/use/jal/inter/routemiles.html
What does NOT transfer to JAL Mileage Bank
- American Express Membership Rewards - no direct transfer
- Chase Ultimate Rewards - no direct transfer
This is a defining program constraint. Plan earn strategy around Bilt, Capital One, Citi ThankYou, and flying.
US card
The JAL USA Card, issued by First National Bank of Omaha, is open to US applicants and earns JAL Mileage Bank miles. Most other JAL Card products are Japan only. US readers can also reach JAL Miles via Bilt, Capital One, or Citi ThankYou directly, Marriott indirectly, or by crediting AA flights to JMB.
Sweet spots
Where your points punch above their weight.
Where this currency genuinely shines.
Show me the picks →
Sweet spots
Where your points punch above their weight.
Where this currency genuinely shines.
- Intra-Japan domestic flights from 4,500 miles are one of the best sweet spots in any program. Combine an international award to Japan with multiple domestic hops to maximize trip value.
- JAL Sky Suite Business US to Japan at 55,000 miles is highly competitive on the mileage price. Just budget for fuel surcharges of a few hundred dollars one-way, which take a bite out of the all-in cost even if they run lower than some competitors.
- JAL First Class at 110,000 JAL Miles in Low Season - aspirational but achievable through a single 30%-bonus Capital One transfer or accumulated Bilt earnings.
- Japan to Bangkok Business at 40,000 miles one way on base award space (other than JL031/034). The catch: when base seats run out, Award Ticket PLUS charges more.
- JGC lifetime status is the secret weapon - 50,000 FOP in one calendar year + a JAL Card unlocks permanent oneworld Sapphire-equivalent benefits. Easier to attain than American's lifetime tiers and globally useful.
- 360-day booking window gives JMB members first-mover advantage over partner programs that typically get later access to JAL premium-cabin space.
- Credit AA flights to JMB rather than AAdvantage if pursuing JGC lifetime status or stockpiling JAL Miles for a specific redemption.
Transfer in
Programs that transfer points in.
9 programs that transfer in.
See inbound paths →
Transfer in
Programs that transfer points in.
9 programs that transfer in.
Programs that transfer points or miles into Japan Airlines Mileage Bank.
| From | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
premium1:1 standard1:0.7 | Japan Airlines Mileage Bank. 1:1 from premium cards (Strata Elite, Strata Premier, Prestige, AT&T Access More), 1:0.7 from other ThankYou cards. Minimum 1,000 points in 1,000 point increments. | |
| 2:1.5 | No transfer fee. 1,000 miles = 750 Mileage Bank. | |
| 1:1 | No transfer fee. JAL Mileage Bank; oneworld premium to Asia. | |
| 2:1 | 4,000 Reward points = 2,000 JAL Mileage Bank miles. | |
| 10:1 | Japan Airlines Mileage Bank. | |
| 5:2 | Standard World of Hyatt conversion at 5,000 points to 2,000 miles (5:2). Minimum 5,000 points, then 1,250 point increments. | |
| 5:1 | Convert IHG points to Japan Airlines JAL Mileage Bank by calling IHG One Rewards. Airline transfers are phone only, never online. Standard rate is 5,000 IHG points for 1,000 miles and can take up to six weeks to arrive. Airline conversions are usually weak value, so keep IHG points for hotel nights unless topping off a specific balance. | |
| 3:1 | Base 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred (effectively ~2.4:1 in 60K increments). | |
| 1:1 | Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, 1:1. |
Tier benefits
The status ladder. 6 rungs, each unlocking better lounges, bags, and bragging rights.
6 status levels.
Climb the ladder →
Tier benefits
The status ladder. 6 rungs, each unlocking better lounges, bags, and bragging rights.
6 status levels.
JMB Crystal
30,000 FLY ON Points (FOP) including 15,000 from JAL Group flights, in a calendar year. Or 30 flights including 15 JAL Group + 10,000 FOP.
- Priority airport check-in
- +1 extra checked bag (international)
- +55% mileage bonus on JAL flights
JMB Sapphire
50,000 FOP including 25,000 from JAL Group, in a calendar year. Or 50 flights including 25 JAL Group + 15,000 FOP.
- oneworld Sapphire
- Sakura Lounge access (member only)
- oneworld Business class lounge access on partners worldwide for member + 1 guest
- Priority boarding and baggage handling
- +1 extra checked bag (international)
- +105% mileage bonus on JAL flights
- Domestic complimentary upgrades
- Trigger for JGC lifetime application
JGC Premier
80,000 FOP including 40,000 from JAL Group, or 80 flights with 40 JAL Group + 25,000 FOP. Available only to JAL Global Club members.
- All JMB Sapphire benefits
- Higher priority on standby and waitlist
- Enhanced lounge guest privileges
- Higher mileage bonus
JMB Diamond
100,000 FOP including 50,000 from JAL Group, in a calendar year. Or 120 flights including 60 JAL Group + 35,000 FOP.
- oneworld Emerald
- JAL First Class Lounge access at HND / NRT and partner First lounges worldwide for member + 1 guest
- Priority everything (boarding, baggage, irregular ops)
- +1 extra checked bag (international)
- +130% mileage bonus on JAL flights
- Domestic + international complimentary upgrades (waitlist)
- Diamond Metal services available at 150K JAL Group FOP
JAL Global Club (JGC) - LIFETIME
Reach JMB Sapphire (50,000 FOP in one calendar year) AND apply for / hold a JAL Card (JAL's co-brand credit card, available primarily in Japan). JGC status is permanent.
- Permanent oneworld Sapphire-equivalent status (lounge access, priority boarding, extra baggage, upgrade eligibility)
- Status retained regardless of subsequent year flight activity
- JGC Sapphire / JGC Premier / JGC Diamond enhanced tiers available with continued FOP earning
Lounge access
Where to vanish before takeoff. Your status (or ticket) opens which doors.
Who gets in, who doesn't, and the carve-outs.
See the rules →
Lounge access
Where to vanish before takeoff. Your status (or ticket) opens which doors.
Who gets in, who doesn't, and the carve-outs.
JAL operates the Sakura Lounge (Business class) and First Class Lounge networks at Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT), and select international gateways including JFK and other US hubs. JAL's lounges are widely regarded among the best in the world for food quality (the Sakura sushi bar at HND is famous) and quiet design.
Access rules:
- Same-day JAL or oneworld flight + oneworld Sapphire (JMB Sapphire / JGC Sapphire) - Sakura Lounge / oneworld Business class lounges worldwide for member + 1 guest, any cabin.
- Same-day JAL or oneworld flight + oneworld Emerald (JMB Diamond) - JAL First Class Lounge / Star First lounges for member + 1 guest, any cabin.
- Same-day JAL First Class boarding pass at HND / NRT - First Class Lounge access in any context.
- Same-day JAL Business Class or Premium Economy boarding pass - Sakura Lounge access in any context.
- JGC lifetime members - Sakura Lounge access for life when traveling on JAL or oneworld.
JAL does not generally sell day passes to non-status passengers. Access is by status or premium cabin only.
How to spend
The high-leverage moves. Read this before you transfer a single mile.
The smart-money plays.
Get the playbook →
How to spend
The high-leverage moves. Read this before you transfer a single mile.
The smart-money plays.
- US-Japan Business class on JAL Sky Suite at 55,000 JAL Miles one-way. Highly competitive transpacific Business redemption.
- US-Japan First class on the new A350-1000 at 110,000-140,000 JAL Miles one-way (Low / Regular / High season). Six private suites per aircraft - one of the world's best First class hard products.
- Intra-Japan domestic awards from 4,500 JAL Miles one-way - the program's most underrated sweet spot. Hop between Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto (via KIX), Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa for minimal miles after arriving in Japan.
- Japan to Bangkok Business class at 40,000 JAL Miles one way on base award space (other than flights JL031/034).
- AA-operated US routes credited to JMB - the AA/JAL transpacific JV allows JAL Mileage Bank members to redeem on AA metal at JAL's partner pricing.
- oneworld partner awards (BA, Cathay, Iberia, Qantas, Qatar, Finnair, Alaska, Malaysia, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan, Oman Air, Fiji Airways).
- Non-alliance partners: Hawaiian Airlines, Emirates, Air France, China Eastern, Bangkok Airways, Vietjet, Jetstar Japan.
Tips & quirks
Stopover rules, surcharges, the stuff nobody tells you until you've been burned once.
The fine print, decoded.
Spill the gotchas →
Tips & quirks
Stopover rules, surcharges, the stuff nobody tells you until you've been burned once.
The fine print, decoded.
- Miles expire 36 months from the calendar month earned, with no extension via activity, fees, or credit card spend. Each batch of miles has its own death date. Plan redemptions ahead.
- Limited US transfer partner access: Bilt (1:1), Capital One (4:3), Citi ThankYou, and Marriott (3:1). Citi converts 1:1 from the Strata Elite, Strata Premier, Prestige, and AT&T Access More, and 1:0.7 from other ThankYou cards, with a 1,000 point minimum in 1,000 point increments. NO Amex or Chase direct transfers. Transfers are one way and final, so move points only with a specific award in mind.
- March 31, 2026: JetBlue partnership ENDED. JetBlue earning and redemption are no longer available on JMB.
- September 2025: Capital One Miles became a JAL transfer partner at 4:3. Periodic 30% bonuses bring effective rate near 1:1.
- Region-pair award chart for JAL-operated international flights (not distance-based). Pricing is determined by origin/destination region and cabin.
- Award Ticket PLUS = variable higher-mileage pricing when base-level award space is exhausted on Economy / Premium Economy / Business. Does NOT apply to First class.
- First class seasonal pricing: Low (L) / Regular (R) / High (H), at roughly 110K / 125K / 140K JAL Miles US to Japan one-way.
- AA / JAL transpacific joint venture lets US-based JAL Mileage Bank members earn JAL Miles + FLY ON Points on AA metal, and book AA awards through JMB at partner pricing. Particularly valuable for travelers near AA hubs (DFW, MIA, CLT, ORD, PHL, JFK, LAX).
- JAL Global Club (JGC) lifetime status triggered by reaching JMB Sapphire (50,000 FOP) once + holding a JAL Card. Permanent oneworld Sapphire-equivalent. One of the easiest lifetime-status pathways in major airline loyalty programs.
- 360-day booking window for JAL-operated awards - first-mover advantage over partner programs that typically get access later.
- Waitlist for international awards: miles not deducted until seat is confirmed. If unconfirmed, waitlist clears before departure.
- Fuel surcharges apply on JAL-operated awards and they are not trivial: expect a few hundred dollars one-way on North America to Japan. They may run lower than some competitors, but budget for them all the same. Surcharges are revised periodically.
- New account restriction: JAL may block redemptions for up to 60 days after account opening.
- There is a US card: the JAL USA Card, issued by First National Bank of Omaha and open to US applicants. It earns JAL Mileage Bank miles. (Most other JAL Card products remain Japan-only.)
- Status partnership with Marriott Bonvoy: link the two accounts and JAL elites get complimentary Marriott status (Sapphire to Silver, JGC Premier to Gold, Diamond to Gold plus a fast track to Platinum). Registration required, and there is no end date.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Amex, Chase, or Citi transfer to JAL Mileage Bank? Only Citi. Citi ThankYou Points convert to JAL Mileage Bank at 1:1 from premium cards such as the Strata Premier, Strata Elite, and Prestige, and at 1:0.7 from other ThankYou cards, while Amex and Chase do not transfer at all. The other US transfer partners are Bilt (1:1), Capital One (4:3), and Marriott Bonvoy (3:1).
- Is Japan Airlines in an airline alliance? Yes. Japan Airlines is a oneworld member, so JAL Mileage Bank can book awards on partners such as American, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qatar, and Alaska.
- Do JAL Mileage Bank miles expire? Yes. Miles expire 36 months from the calendar month they were earned, with no extension through activity, fees, or credit card spend.
- How many miles for US to Japan business class on JAL? JAL prices US to Japan business class at 55,000 miles one way on flights JAL operates, and First Class runs 110,000 to 140,000 by season. JAL does pass fuel surcharges on its own award tickets, so check the cash cost too.
- Does Japan Airlines have a US credit card? Yes. The JAL USA Card, issued by First National Bank of Omaha, earns JAL Mileage Bank miles and is open to US applicants. You can also transfer from Bilt, Capital One, or Citi ThankYou, or credit American Airlines flights to JAL Mileage Bank.
- Can you still earn or use JAL miles on JetBlue? No. The JAL Mileage Bank partnership with JetBlue ended March 31, 2026, so JetBlue is no longer earnable or redeemable through JAL.
Alerts
Award Sale
A JAL Award Sale Is On, and It Includes North America
JAL is taking 30% off award prices for all Mileage Bank members, including North America economy at 18,900 miles one way. Book by October 31, 2026 and travel by February 28, 2027. Boston, premium economy and business to North America are excluded.
Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
Expires Oct 31Read
Transfer BonusRove Miles to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank: 50% Transfer Bonus Through October 31
Rove is running a 50% bonus on transfers to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank through October 31, so 1,000 Rove Miles become 1,500 JAL miles. This one is for people who already hold Rove Miles.
Rove MilesJapan Airlines Mileage Bank
Expires Oct 31Read
Transfer BonusCiti ThankYou Adds Japan Airlines, With a 30% Launch Bonus Through October 24
Japan Airlines Mileage Bank is now a Citi ThankYou transfer partner, and transfers get a 30% bonus through October 24. On premium Citi cards 1,000 points become 1,300 JAL miles; on other ThankYou cards, 910.
Citi ThankYou RewardsJapan Airlines Mileage Bank
Expires Oct 24Read
Partner ChangeMarriott and Japan Airlines Now Trade Status
Link your Marriott Bonvoy and Japan Airlines accounts and each program starts rewarding the other: Bonvoy elites earn JAL FLY ON status points every year, and JAL elites get complimentary Marriott status. No end date.
Marriott BonvoyJapan Airlines Mileage Bank
Expires Jan 14Read
Industry NewsAlaska's Seattle-to-Europe Push: London Live, Reykjavík May 28
Seattle now has a Dreamliner to London, and Reykjavík is next, timed for the August 2026 total solar eclipse. Daily nonstop service between Seattle and London Heathrow is live on a 787-9, with seasonal Iceland service starting May 28 on a 737-8 MAX. Atmos Rewards points book both routes, and oneworld partners including AAdvantage, Avios, and JAL Mileage Bank can earn and redeem on Alaska metal.
Alaska AirlinesAmerican AAdvantageAtmos RewardsAvios+2 more
Expires Nov 25Read
Partner ChangeHawaiian Airlines Joins oneworld, and Atmos Members Earn and Redeem Across the Alliance
Hawaiian Airlines joined oneworld on April 23, 2026, as the alliance's 16th member and third US-based one, so Atmos members can earn and redeem across oneworld and oneworld Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby members get reciprocal status and lounge benefits on Hawaiian.
Atmos RewardsCathay Pacific Asia MilesAmerican AAdvantageQantas Frequent Flyer+4 more
Expires Nov 21Read
Archived alerts
Past offers for Japan Airlines Mileage Bank — searchable, click to view the original.
- ExpiredCapital One's 30% Transfer Bonus to Japan Airlines Ends September 30transfer bonus · ended Sep 30, 2026
Last reviewed: May 2026
Loyalty programs change rules, fees, transfer ratios, and award pricing all the time — sometimes without warning. We do our best to keep these pages current, but the program's own site is always the final word. Always confirm specifics directly with Japan Airlines Mileage Bank before transferring miles or booking an award. Treat anything on this page as a starting point, not a guarantee. Crazy4Points is not responsible for actions taken based on information here — see our Terms of Service for full details.