My wife and I are in the fortunate position of being able to travel overseas for leisure on an annual basis and do this in the comfort of flying business class. Since 2004, we have been flying to Europe and Japan on Japan Airlines (JAL) and as members of JAL's MileageBank program. Here are my (our) experiences.
Firstly, we have always been courteously and generously looked after with JAL. The flight attendants and ground staff from check in to lounges have been a pleasure to deal with and we have always had on-time arrival and departure. Whilst the almost flat seats do an acceptable job of managing my 6 foot 3 frame, there's always plenty of room for me, Mrs M and our on-board luggage. There's plenty of food, water is always on hand (and replenished even when asleep) and the refreshment bar well stocked.
Secondly, JAL's companion J fares seem very reasonable, more so now that taxes have dropped dramatically. I recently received a quote for MEL-TYO-AMS-TYO-MEL for $6270 +$330 taxes. Pretty reasonable for a J class fare.
Finally, MileageBank, their frequent flyer program seems good value based on my prior trips. Two return trips to Europe J class provides almost enough points for SYD-TYO-SYD J class for two people. On a discount business fare of $5730 including taxes, that's pretty reasonable. When this is coupled with the ability to convert Hyatt GoldPassport points to miles (at the rate of 2.5 GP points to 1 JMB mile) you can rapidly add miles without flights. I have a Family Club membership that pools points earned by members so for an extra A$35 (approx) annual fee helps with mileage accumulation.
I have already redeemed business class flights to Tokyo for my wife and I a couple of years ago and will do so again post a trip to Tokyo in October this year. Their on-line redemption system is very easy to use and provides the ability to reserve award seats 9 months in advance.
Incidentally, the value of Hyatt GoldPassport membership pays off if GP points are redeemed for miles. Over the last couple of years, 6 stays of an average of 4 nights each at various Hyatt's in Japan and Melbourne have resulted in 43,000 points. Post our October trip with 3 more Hyatt stays will allow 50,000 GP points. When redeemed for JMB miles, a Hyatt bonus is 50,000 points = 20,000 miles + 5,000 bonus miles. A fair amount of miles.
Anyhow, just my perspective on my experience. I'm not affiliated with JAL or Hyatt - just a happy customer.
Firstly, we have always been courteously and generously looked after with JAL. The flight attendants and ground staff from check in to lounges have been a pleasure to deal with and we have always had on-time arrival and departure. Whilst the almost flat seats do an acceptable job of managing my 6 foot 3 frame, there's always plenty of room for me, Mrs M and our on-board luggage. There's plenty of food, water is always on hand (and replenished even when asleep) and the refreshment bar well stocked.
Secondly, JAL's companion J fares seem very reasonable, more so now that taxes have dropped dramatically. I recently received a quote for MEL-TYO-AMS-TYO-MEL for $6270 +$330 taxes. Pretty reasonable for a J class fare.
Finally, MileageBank, their frequent flyer program seems good value based on my prior trips. Two return trips to Europe J class provides almost enough points for SYD-TYO-SYD J class for two people. On a discount business fare of $5730 including taxes, that's pretty reasonable. When this is coupled with the ability to convert Hyatt GoldPassport points to miles (at the rate of 2.5 GP points to 1 JMB mile) you can rapidly add miles without flights. I have a Family Club membership that pools points earned by members so for an extra A$35 (approx) annual fee helps with mileage accumulation.
I have already redeemed business class flights to Tokyo for my wife and I a couple of years ago and will do so again post a trip to Tokyo in October this year. Their on-line redemption system is very easy to use and provides the ability to reserve award seats 9 months in advance.
Incidentally, the value of Hyatt GoldPassport membership pays off if GP points are redeemed for miles. Over the last couple of years, 6 stays of an average of 4 nights each at various Hyatt's in Japan and Melbourne have resulted in 43,000 points. Post our October trip with 3 more Hyatt stays will allow 50,000 GP points. When redeemed for JMB miles, a Hyatt bonus is 50,000 points = 20,000 miles + 5,000 bonus miles. A fair amount of miles.
Anyhow, just my perspective on my experience. I'm not affiliated with JAL or Hyatt - just a happy customer.
