AA-JAL devaluation: nonstop stays 60k, connecting jumps to 80k
Business class on Japan Airlines via AAdvantage now runs 60,000 miles one-way for nonstop flights but 80,000 miles for any routing that includes a connection — including a domestic JAL segment or an American Airlines positioning flight. First class nonstop holds at 80,000 miles, but connecting itineraries now cost 100,000 miles. The 20,000-mile surcharge applies per direction, making a round-trip with connections cost 40,000 extra miles. Nonstop awards remain unchanged, so those are the clear value play. But factor in the cost of buying a separate positioning ticket and whether through-checked bags and IROPS protection are worth the premium.
the play
Book nonstop Japan Airlines flights with AAdvantage miles to avoid the 20,000-mile surcharge on connecting itineraries.
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source signal
This drop was reframed from a real reader question asked around the web. Written with the assistance of a language model in the voice of Barry B..
