Over the weekend I wrote about some changes that Japan Airlines announced to their network, including the addition of a daily Osaka to Los Angeles 787 flight starting March 20, 2015.
It’s a bit odd because the flight doesn’t seem to be loaded into the GDS — it doesn’t display on ExpertFlyer or through online travel agencies, though I do see the flight directly on Japan Airlines’ website.
Japan Airlines’ website does indicate that the flight will initially be operated by a 787 with Japan Airlines’ old business class product, which is unfortunate. Over time I suspect it will be operated by a 787 with the new product, though I guess it makes sense to first put the 787s with the new business class product on routes where they have competition.
What’s most interesting is that while British Airways’ award search tool doesn’t seem to show award space on the new route, I called American and was able to book business class AAdvantage award seats on it.
All the dates I asked about had four business class award seats, so award availability is good on the route. That being said, it is an angled flat business class product, and if you’re planning this far out, chances are that you can find a better all around product unless you value a nonstop flight between the two markets.
As a reminder, American AAdvantage charges 50,000 miles for one-way business class between the US and Asia 1 (which includes Japan). Meanwhile US Airways Dividend Miles charges 110,000 miles for roundtrip business class between the US and North Asia (which includes Japan0.
I always get excited about new transpacific flights with plenty of award space, and this flight is no exception!
You mean March 20, 2015 not 2014...
@ Marriott Marty -- Good catch!
Hi Lucky: It seems that the redemption of JAL tickets with US Airway dividend miles has been limited to 90 days before departure. Any trick to get around with it? Thanks.
To be sure, no F even if it becomes a reconfigured 787?
@ italdesign -- Correct. They'll be adding premium economy when they reconfigure it, but not first class.
ugh why why why. just fly JL J from ORD or JFK on the awesome skysuite seat and then connect onwards to KIX. i can't even imagine using miles to sit in that thing for 13 hours.
So, no first on this route?
@ Antonio -- Nope.
What kind of "good design award 2009" would give that seat their highest honor?? I'd rather fly through LGA than fly in that seat on a 9 hour flight! And that's after waiting 45 minutes for security there at 5AM!