JetBlue TrueBlue is increasingly adding award redemptions on partner airlines, which is exciting. In the past year or so, we’ve seen TrueBlue add online redemptions for Hawaiian Airlines, Qatar Airways, TAP Air Portugal, and Icelandair. Now we’ve seen TrueBlue add redemptions on Japan Airlines, giving members more opportunities to redeem their points (thanks to AwardWallet for reporting this).
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JetBlue adds online award redemptions on Japan Airlines
JetBlue and Japan Airlines have had a partnership for a long time, whereby JetBlue provides feed for some of Japan Airlines’ gateways in the United States. It’s now possible to redeem JetBlue TrueBlue points for travel on the airline as well. Here are the basics of these redemption opportunities:
- These awards are bookable directly on JetBlue’s website, on the homepage, by selecting the “use TrueBlue points” button
- Redemptions are possible for Japan Airlines’ global route network
- There are no carrier imposed surcharges on these redemptions
- Redemptions on Japan Airlines are possible in business class, premium economy, and economy, but not in first class
- While there’s not an award chart, award pricing seems to be a combination of zone based and segment based; that means you pay more if you have an itinerary that includes more than one segment
So, what is award pricing like? There’s definitely some variability, so let’s look at some examples. A one-way award from Los Angeles to Osaka costs 64,000 points in business class.
A one-way award from London to Tokyo costs 39,900 points in economy and 79,900 points in business class.
A one-way award from Bangkok to Tokyo costs 20,000 points in economy, 25,000 points in premium economy, and 30,000 points in business class.
The redemption values here are pretty great, and could potentially get you a lot more value than redeeming for travel on JetBlue. However, in fairness:
- Award availability on Japan Airlines to and from the United States can be tough to come by
- It’s also possible to redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles and American AAdvantage miles for Japan Airlines flights, including in first class, and the redemption rates are often even more attractive
More JetBlue partner awards are long overdue
JetBlue is really trying to make its TrueBlue loyalty program more of a profit center. Historically I’d say the program has just been kind of lazy in terms of perks, and hasn’t done much to encourage incremental engagement (flying or credit card spending) in terms of elite benefits. On top of that, JetBlue hasn’t put any effort into offering partner award redemptions.
The airline has been mostly headed in a great direction in recent times, as the current management team is trying to return the airline to profitability (admittedly the current economic uncertainty is a setback). A big part of that is better leveraging the loyalty program. I think partner redemptions can unlock significant value.
We’ve now seen redemptions added on five partner airlines in recent times, so I’d say that’s really exciting and encouraging, and I look forward to seeing even more options as time goes on.
Bottom line
JetBlue TrueBlue has just rolled out award redemptions on Japan Airlines. This is the fifth new partner redemption we’ve seen from the program in the past year or so, as we’ve previously seen redemptions added on Hawaiian Airlines, Qatar Airways, TAP Air Portugal, and Icelandair.
I wouldn’t consider these redemptions to be that exciting, given all the other redemption options for travel on Japan Airlines, plus limited award availability. However, when you add up all the new partners being rolled out, I’d say it’s an exciting direction for the program.
What do you make of JetBlue TrueBlue redemptions on Japan Airlines?
I'm seeing BKK-HND one-way rates at: 24400/45,000/85,000 for Y/PE/J. What's going on?
When Jetblue began award redemptions on TAP Portugal, redemption rates were attractive. However, not too long after they increased the price. I hope this doesn't happen with Japan Airlines redemptions.
Meh, I just noticed a $199.80 Carrier Imposed Surcharge on the USA-TYO routes. I'd be on the fence paying that in business, probably not in economy.
This is a better deal than redeeming on JetBlue! Kind of insane
Absolutely awful news for AA/AS loyalists.
Found with Seats.Aero (all rates in business class):
LAX-TYO: 64k
SAN/SEA/YVR: 59k
JFK (and I'm assuming BOS and ORD also)/LHR/CDG:79.9k
SIN/BKK/HAN: 30k
It's interesting that they priced LAX and SAN differently.
does jetblue have the same inventory access as AA and AS?
With BILT added recently as a JAL transfer partner, their awards are going to be even harder to find.
I heard the news, but I don't see JAL as a transfer partner for BILT yet.
Interesting development.
Add it to the list of options to explore when looking to travel on points.
Thanks for keeping us updated
Actually these JL redemption rates for business class are very competitive compared to what AA and AS charges for similar flights. The best part is JetBlue miles are easier to get through transfers compared to AA and AS.
Jetblue isn't a 1:1 partner with all credit card points, so I see a lot of math coming up.
For myself I see it as a comparison between transfer of Amex to ANA, or Chase to VS/UA for ANA flights or Amex or Chase to Jetblue for this new JAL partnership...
This is definitely better than trying to earn JAL points directly with the JAL USA card tho.