Flying with Japan Airlines (JL) as a British Airways Executive Club member offers a great opportunity to earn both Avios and Tier Points. This guide will help you understand exactly how many Avios and Tier Points you can collect, whether you are looking to buy a ticket or already have one.
Earning Avios on Japan Airlines Flights
The amount of Avios you earn depends on the cabin class of your ticket and your fare type. Here’s how it breaks down for international and domestic flights:
Avios Earned as a Percentage of Miles Flown
International Flights (From 5 November 2021):
- Economy Lowest (N, Q, O, G, Z): 25% of miles flown
- Economy Low (K, M, L, V, S): 50% of miles flown
- Economy Low (H): 70% of miles flown
- Economy Flexible (Y, B): 100% of miles flown
- Premium Economy Lowest (P): 50% of miles flown
- Premium Economy Low (E): 70% of miles flown
- Premium Economy Flexible (W, R): 100% of miles flown
- Business Low (X): 70% of miles flown
- Business (J, C, D, I): 125% of miles flown
- First (F, A): 150% of miles flown
Domestic Flights (From 1 April 2021):
- Economy Low (A): 75% of miles flown
- Economy Flexible (Y): 100% of miles flown
- Business Low (I): 85% of miles flown
- Business (J): 110% of miles flown
- First Low (E): 125% of miles flown
- First (F): 150% of miles flown
Note: There is no minimum Avios earned on Japan Airlines flights.
Example Calculation
If you fly 2,000 miles in business class (J, C, D, I) internationally, you will earn:
2,000 miles * 125% = 2,500 Avios
If you fly 2,000 miles in the lowest economy class (N, Q, O, G, Z) internationally, you will earn:
2,000 miles * 25% = 500 Avios
To find out the distance of your flight, you can use the Great Circle Mapper tool. This tool allows you to enter your departure and destination airports to calculate the flight distance.
Collecting Tier Points on Japan Airlines Flights
The number of Tier Points you earn varies based on the fare class. For an exact calculation, you can use the British Airways Flight Calculator. Note that the flight calculator may not display correct information for Japan Airlines domestic flights; refer to the table above for these details.
Tier Points Earned by Cabin Class
- Economy (Discounted): Typically fewer Tier Points, varies by fare
- Economy (Flexible): Standard allocation
- Premium Economy: Higher allocation than economy
- Business: Higher allocation reflecting the premium cabin
- First: Highest allocation
The British Airways 2,000-Mile Rule
British Airways has a 2,000-mile rule where flights under 2,000 miles earn different Tier Points compared to those over 2,000 miles, with a few exceptions. For instance, short-haul flights typically earn fewer Tier Points than long-haul flights, even in the same cabin class.
Important Note on Avios Tier Bonuses
When flying with Japan Airlines, you will receive an Avios tier bonus based on your British Airways Executive Club status, but only on international flights. This bonus does not apply to domestic flights.
- Bronze Members: 25% extra Avios
- Silver Members: 50% extra Avios
- Gold Members: 100% extra Avios
It’s a key detail to consider when planning your travels and maximizing your Avios collection.
Reward Flights
Reward flights on Japan Airlines can only be booked for Japanese domestic flights two months from the date of the return flight and only in the economy (World Traveller) cabin. This restriction does not apply to domestic flights booked in conjunction with international flights.
Summary
Whether you’re planning to buy a ticket or already have one, understanding the Avios and Tier Points you can earn on Japan Airlines flights helps you make informed decisions. Check your ticket class and use the British Airways Flight Calculator to determine the exact earnings. Remember to factor in your tier status for international flights to maximize your Avios. Happy flying!
