JAL are upgrading their service between Sydney and Tokyo to a 777-300ER from December 28th, which has a significantly better Business Class than the existing 777-200ER on the route, which is angled-flat. JAL’s 777-300ER also includes eight first class seats and the change makes JAL one of the handful of carriers left operating First Class into / out of Australia.

The best part is that there are many, many dates available with First Class availability during that time – the screenshot below shows a search for two seats. Incidentally, Business Class availability is non-existent.

JAL first class availability January 2014

JAL’s First Class product is very competitive and I’d love to check it out. This could be a great excuse for some skiing in Japan this winter…

JAL First Class Suite

Availability isn’t showing on Qantas.com for some reason so you’ll need to call them to book. You may be able to argue the point and avoid the booking fee given that it’s not showing online.

In terms of points, you’d be looking at 108,000 Qantas Points each way, 70,000 Asia Miles one way, or 120,000 Asia Miles return. If you’re looking to use the current US Airways ‘Buy Miles’ promotion you’d need 120,000 Dividend Miles, which surpasses the 100,000 limit you can buy with a bonus – but you could still buy up to 120,000 needed for somewhere around $2750 after currency conversions.

This is only a temporary change, unfortunately, with the service ending on March 28th (at this point). I guess if the increased capacity continues to be needed, then they might consider keeping it running.

Get in now if you’re interested, the availability won’t last long!

via One Mile at a Time

Japan Airlines to operate improved Business and First Class between Sydney and Tokyo over Japanese Winter – with wide open points availability was last modified: November 14th, 2017 by Keith