Citi ThankYou can now transfer to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank at 1:1, and a 30% bonus through October 24, 2026 makes this new partnership worth a look.
Am I correct that with Mileage Bank, it is impossible to book something like JFK-HND-BKK (two international segments) with a connection at HND, and that I would need to book two separate award tickets?
It's not possible online for JAL metal (for partner metal it is possible under the partner chart). However if not segments are available separately, sometimes a phone agent is able to price and issue it as a through award.
What about cancellation fees? Any?
Great addition for Citi (after getting AA), especially at the 1:1 transfer ratio, and nice to have an alternative to Bilt for transfers to JAL.
I've heard that as long as the member redeeming the points is on the reservation, they almost never check relationship. It's largely to prevent points brokers.
Some of them would be hard to prove without quite a lot of documentation.
The premium seats are snapped up in minutes on many JL flights when the schedule opens, so AA/BA points aren't gonna cut it there. Cathay would work too, but the rates are higher.
You can also find J at 80-110k US-TYO on lots of dates which in 2026 is pretty good.