$12,000 First Class on Japan Airlines for $42.20 ✈️ SFO to HND 777-300ER

[@AskSebby]

💳Sebby's Card Picks: www.asksebby.com/credit-cards ✈ How to book JAL First Class on points: www.asksebby.com/guides/book-jal-first-class

[@mclovin6537]

Hi Sebby, if I have points on the chase sapphire reserve, what is the best way to use it for aspirational travel? If I’m flying la to bangkok with stopover in japan. What is the best way to fly business or first?

[@johnmiller998]

SFO lounge was terrible!!!

[@doghut]

The subscriber at 2:25 was my dad! Right after this interaction, he immediately texted me "just met Sebby in the JAL lounge" so I told him to ask you if you were down to take a selfie because meeting the one and only Ask Sebby is a once in a lifetime dream most travelers can only ponder over, but he said he was too shy haha. But in all seriousness, your videos have permanently transformed how we travel for the better. Keep up the good work!

[@AskSebby]

haha, that's awesome!! have him ask for a selfie next time! :)

[@qianglin6245]

@@AskSebby Honestly, didn't know my voice sounded like that.

[@andrewm7352]

Yeah, I skip that lounge. I go to the AA lounge in terminal 1 since it’s behind security and they have showers.

[@dantealiv3777]

More videos like this - was this Amex or Chase points?

[@AskSebby]

Thank you! Used Alaska miles, but you can also use Amex points and transfer to Asia Miles (Oneworld partner). More here on options: www.asksebby.com/guides/book-jal-first-class

[@CarlitoSuperLobo]

Excellent breakdown of the menu. An overall view of the first class exp done very well. I would definitely fly this way if I could.

[@gosikh]

I have decided to fly economy and use the additional points to stay for 2-5 days in a hotel. 12 hour in F vs 5 days in a hotel

[@cdt996]

Flying business on Qatar tomorrow for $111 using points! ✈️🥂 Learned to play the game from AskSebby! ❤🌸

[@AskSebby]

Amazing!!

[@rachelh930]

Congratulations!

[@sumnerevans]

My man in 1K took the song "drunk on a plane" literally.

[@j0912957585]

Hi dear Sebby, I am the passenger “1K” boarding the same flight with you. The truth is I had an issue with the lounge access (lounge overflow and the receptionist forgot to mention or guide me to the reserved area, I was tired and starving). I did complain to the cabin manager. About an hour after meal service, the attendant come to me and see if I would like to have an additional dish. In the other head, I brought the whole box of treats for the crew to show appreciation. I didn’t see any point that should be blamed or mentioned… please remove the part I were mentioned about unfairly in your video thank you! 😇

[@Lonnie514]

I am convinced that there is no way to fly JAL first class in 2024. I have loooked at evey airline, including JAL and it is not available

[@Notourtube]

AA had this Jal first class for 85k point from dfw🌸

[@daveclark6324]

Sebby uses points to fly and eats and drinks $8,000 worth of items. 😉 Great video! 👍 🌸

[@mikej1570]

Sebby, The real question is How did you find first class AWARD availability on JAL? I see business class but NEVER first class. What is the trick/secret? 9AM Tokyo time daily seats released? What is the Magic behind snagging 2 of these seats?

[@Chris-vz2kv]

Partnership

[@gregoryogunnowo9149]

🌸 Saving this one! Thanks again for all of your lessons!

[@sally3570]

Cherry blossom 🌸 Heading to Paris in July on Delta. Is first class or even premier seating with footrest worth it?

[@AskSebby]

Depends on how you value the experience. Here's Mandy's Delta One review for Europe: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6rEhJ9jYteMgK8

[@patrickli804]

Any reason you flew JAL over Cathay direct to HKG? I'm originally from HK and flying through TW on EVA this time round!

[@AskSebby]

Cathay availability is a mess right now since everyone is trying to go to HKG.

[@ShibaSoftware]

🌸 Sebby, I have a dilemma: I have 154,000 points on an Amex Gold card and newly minted Japanese passport. I want to fly from LAX --> Tokyo 1 way ASAP and live off savings for potentially up to a year. I may also wish to visit Thailand, Singapore, south korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Indonesia. What is the best way to book a flight with AMEX points to Tokyo, while preserving enough points to travel through Southeast Asia for the next year on savings?

[@ahkeen]

I would 100% do this trip. I am planning to go to HKG end of the year but would be departing from BOS. Probably not much flights for points on that. But what kind of watch is Seb rolling with? Rolex? Tudor? 🌸

[@winterfern4881]

Which points did you use to transfer over was it Chase or Amex? I'm trying to learn how to find a good transfer partner redemption for first or business to europe from philly. I usually just book on amex travel with business platinum for the 35% refund. I usually earn 1000$ worth of rewards each month from business purchases but im not dropping 5000$ of points for first class to london or paris. Trying to find better deals.

[@fredwu5965]

I wish they could replace B700-300ER with the latest A350-1K aircraft for the SFOHND route soon.

[@sharkbaitmomba6863]

I’m not sure if I missed it or did you get charged for all the drinks/extra meals? Or is that one of the many perks for flying first class??

[@AskSebby]

All complimentary!

[@FlyinRyan31310]

🌸I can't seem to find a way to book first class on American airlines website with points only business. do i have to do other steps like call?

[@kunaldes]

🌸 I flew business on JL1 and flew home in first on JL2. Unfortunately I was pretty sick with a stomach bug on my flight home, so I didn't really get to enjoy the meal service but I definitely got a lot of use out of the bed. The tickets get you access to the AA Admirals Club in the Harvey Milk terminal, which imo is a lot nicer than the JAL lounge.

[@thanirz]

great video! just in time for my trip, I'll be taking the exact same flight out of sfo in 2 weeks

[@ArturGrigio]

But in the article you don’t cover “how to find availability”. Is there a guide for that?

[@LK_EBM]

He tells you what points you can use. So use that airline to look for availability

[@sdesilva9552]

🌸 Great review! I’m flying JAL J SFO-HND-BKK for the first time next year. In your opinion, is it worth trying for a points upgrade to F at the airport?

[@AskSebby]

Depends on the price. I think JL F is a very strong product. A bit older but amazing soft product.

[@Axer128]

How did u book it? direct with ANA points xfered from amex? or thru alaska or other? how far in advance?

[@dw4421]

🌸 maybe a tutorial how to book this or ANA thru Virgin Atlantic? I was trying to see how to book this as it looks like 145k Virgin is enough but it looks like I have to call them to do, as well has follow a big of steps

[@ericknguyen0617]

Hey Sebby, When you booked this flight, was it last minute award availability? If so, did you have a flight already pre-booked with points or cash just incase you were unable to get this flight in first?

[@LineOfDuty4Christ]

Thanks for showing the menu! I love the vegan options!

[@LindaMeim-qc9ke]

Hi Sebby - I will be taking this same flight in Oct 2023 but in business class. Any tips and recommendations for that class?

[@lauriesteinhauser8768]

Just did that flight two weeks ago in business. The western meal was a bit underwhelming and the choice of movies pathetic! I have to say I enjoyed everything else and the service was great.

[@lildarkfairy1]

Thanks for the review on JAL uding points 🌸

[@amousgoh1335]

How many points did you have to use, if you dont mind me asking?

[@703luis5]

I started watching your videos back in 2019 and got the Amex gold card (in 2019) for this reason I haven’t spent any points saving up for a first class trip for me and my gf. I (23m) don’t have crazy spending but the years are adding up hopefully next year will be our turn to go. Thank for the great video. I have been waiting for you to fly to Japan and make a review🌸🌸🌸

[@LK_EBM]

You should really plan to use your points soon. 4 years is a long time in points and miles. Your points only lose value year after year.

[@kingsamvisuals]

🌸 What are the best transfer partners for flights between Jamaica and the US/Canada

[@kwfown]

Did you make a vid of how you used point to book this? I’m looking to use points for flight to HKG later this year too, hoping to fly business but options are thin… 🌸

[@AskSebby]

Blog post here on how to book: www.asksebby.com/guides/book-jal-first-class

[@markzeleznick6184]

@@AskSebby Looked for flights on AA site, but cannot find any close to this price, even with flexible dates

[@Nursemomi25]

How much miles/points do you need to fly business class with JAL?

[@B1970T]

You guys were eating like you were going to the chair. 😂😂 Lovely vid! 🌸❤️

[@scuevas7]

Which card should I get after the Chase Trifecta?

[@dereklee6057]

Hi Sebby, nice video u have! I have also made a booking using AS miles for JL1. Did you managed to get the partner confirmation number on the receipt send to u? I only have it for the second segment ,JL711 but not the first segment.

[@jpknowledge8852]

Was it Ricky from Prince of Travel in 1k? The man eats and drinks everything in his reviews 😂

[@AskSebby]

Ha! That would be hilarious. Was not prepared for an eating competition on the flight. I like to pace myself. The guy ate non-stop for 4+ hours.

[@LC-kw2hm]

Fun video! I also assumed 1k was Ricky. Had dinner with him last year at the Muir in YHZ. He eats much less on the ground! Enjoy YVR this weekend Sebby. Sorry I will be missing it.

[@NoLifeStarCraft]

🌸I have both NH F in The Suite and JAL F booked for July. I flew J the last time I went to Japan and couldn't get myself to order much food or drink for some reason. I'll try not to feel bad for inhaling all of the Salon and Hibiki, but I probably will before I even drink that much. How do you do it? I mean, the CAs are just doing their job, but I can't help but feel that asking for too much makes them have to think about rationing the better food and drinks. On a side note, I'm also SFO-based (hope to bump into you and Mandy someday) and still found the Sakura Lounge preferable to the Centurion lounge. Way less crowded and no waiting for food/drinks. The only downside is, if you don't like their very limited food options, you're out-of-luck. That being said, there's no way JAL doesn't know how much worse it is compared to its own lounges in Japan (and other SFO lounges).

[@AskSebby]

I was not prepared for an eating contest on the flight. Lol. Didn't really start eating until I realized the guy in 1K was going to eat everyone's caviar and lobster from the a la carte menu while they were sleeping. Mandy tried to order the uni from the second menu and they were out. Japanese breakfast option was also out if you ordered late. He also kept the empty bottles of Hibiki, champagne, and tea. I think our cabin polished off 3 bottles of tea and 1 Hibiki.

[@NoLifeStarCraft]

@@AskSebby Amazing. Gotta watch out for the 1K menace!

[@Dccox3390]

Headed to Doha from Lax 1650 today. Thanks to all of the points and miles guys and girls for these dream of a lifetime trips. ANA The room from ORD to HND and First Class on Japan Air from HND ORD last Dec. Keep up the great work

[@bigstick8699]

Sebby - i came to this video hoping you'd break down the steps and points you used for this flight. I am currently trying to use my chase points but can't seem to find any good deals at all. aka no rewards seats that i can find based on someone else who i followed who said to go through virgin atlantic. do you have a video outlining how you booked his trip and/or others to asia? anything helps! or maybe i can email you directly on your web for some questions/help?

[@cagenazariah]

Great review, Sebby. You’re making me miss Japan so much. When I flew JAL business, I was the only person in the cabin who asked for the “Whisky of the Day” and the FA left an ENTIRE bottle of Yamazaki to me for the whole flight duration. Greatest flight ever lol and not even first class like y’all!!

[@AskSebby]

* shocked pikachu face * lol

[@GenkisTravels]

Great video! Can't wait to fly them in First in September (out of LAX)!

[@quinnrivera5075]

Just took this flight last week. Got it for 80k American Airlines miles. Service was incredible. I’d never be able to pay cash for this flight. I’m blue collar. I got business class on the at back for 60k American Airlines points. Waiting for my EVA business class to Taipei right now. Points and miles enable me to do things I’d never be able to do.

[@AskSebby]

EVA J is on my list. Even their Y (economy) is awesome so excited for your trip :)

[@yunjieangelli7271]

Thanks for a wonderful review! I'm trying to score 2 F seats for next year and wondering what's the best strategy (since they only release 1 in advance). Did you book this close in?

[@NamNguyen_CPA]

🌸Thank you again for another travel video. Will be visiting Japan for first time in August in economy with points, but the first class experience looks very tempting. Have some AMEX and AA pts stashed so I may have to splurge.

[@utuberwatchin]

That bottled tea is news to me and looks delicious 🌸

[@greenwhale3142]

How exactly are you finding the flight? I have 140k AA miles, 200k CUR, 80k CapitalOne Miles, 80k MR. When I go to the AA website, most of the flights are 450k miles for business/first. I'm just curious as to how you got the "Asia Region 1" redemption for 80,000 through AA. 🌸

[@LK_EBM]

You need to look for JAL award space bookable though partners, like AA. If you can't find it, it's sold out. And you need to look for a different date/route.

[@OOTB11]

🌸 planning to fly this in a couple of weeks, so thank you for the trailer 🙏🏼

[@AdaMD319]

🌸 Enjoyed the review! I may have missed it but how many points and what was the points conversion you did?

[@PatrickDKing]

I don't know why but I'm not really feeling this one. Guess the menu didn't trigger much positive response in my brain. I would love to try the two teas from the bottles though. That interested me.

[@kevindo3365]

As a rookie, do we get to keep the pajamas? Lol whats the best single camera setup for occasional vlog? Thank you seb

[@sawbo2119]

In a couple of days I'm flying JAL F via LAX since it was the only availability for 2, since I'm flying from SEA I was looking for SFO but since the Lounge is nothing amazing it's all good, I get to check out Qantas or whatever Emeralds are allowed in LAX No difference in menus aside from Desserts for Western Menu and a different western set plate.

[@melariemantanona2316]

How many points did you use? Was it hard to find availability?

[@DHJakon]

Stupid question, do you get to keep those amenity kits? I was planning to use points for F redemption but covid happened and I ended up using them for other things.

[@LK_EBM]

Yep, you keep the kits!

[@btsfan3822]

For me i just look at the price graph

[@TonyS26]

Just flew ANA F from SFO and I wish they had caviar as an a la carte option. Whiskey selections were quite a bit better though....and I didn't get cut off on the Hibiki 17, our head FA was talking to me about my love of whsikey.

[@danatomalty396]

How much did you eat?

[@joshuaericdavis]

🌸 How many points was this trip? I didn’t see you explain it during the video. Or perhaps i just missed it.

[@AskSebby]

Used 85k Alaska miles. Didn't include it in the video since I want it to be evergreen, and points prices can change. Covered in blog post: www.asksebby.com/guides/book-jal-first-class

[@patrickdavis7244]

🌸 saving for a trip to Italy with my family. These videos help keep me motivated.

[@patricklee7888]

How early in advance do you book these award trips? I normally plan 1-2months out so they almost never have availabilities anymore :/

[@LK_EBM]

Look at the calendar for yourself. Do you see availability on the routes you would take 1-2 months out? If not, how many months do you need to go in order to find space? JAL releases award space 360 days ahead

[@TO-et7xq]

JAL will start bringing airbus 350 for HND to NY route on October 29. I wonder what the first class cabin looks like.

[@Bryan001]

🌸it is great video! 2x points for trans Pacific first class is a no brainier option for me. Hope to see u in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 as well!

[@KawsarAliX]

Hey Sebby, what’s best way to fly to Southeast Asia? I am fine in premium economy. Looking to book something in 5-6 months using points.

[@honkwok5489]

how far to look the fight before the trip ?

[@LK_EBM]

JAL releases award seats 360 days ahead

[@d05wtt]

Yep, always pick the Asian fare on Asian airlines or any flight going to or coming from Asia. It’s almost always better than the western fare. Side note: it’s spelled bidet but it’s pronounced bi-day.

[@jameskwan3014]

🌸 Any tips for getting ANA award flights for business class from the East Coast?

[@zaalb131]

Awesome video! Were planning a Rome trip next year. We already have 8 nights at the crowne plaza in Rome thanks to IHG card and currently about 100k Citi and 60k Chase points but could easily add and hit another bonus like a player two CSP. We want to splurge on the flight, what’s a good first class option to FCO from the west coast (5 hour drive from SFO)?🌸

[@luise.valladares8563]

🌸 I went from SJU to Cairo on a business trip. The organization paid for a round-trip ticket with an economy extra seat on American airlines. I requested a first class upgrade which cost me $700 and 50,000 loyalty points. The Miami Heathrow leg of the flight was on a 777-300 ER first class coming in the other flights was a regular business seat. The first class was superb but I would like to know if paying $700 and 50,000 loyalty points was a good deal. Thanks for all the good tips!

[@gamingwithaiden9751]

My struggle is trying to find availability

[@EthanPatrick_CreditCards]

🌸 This was actually really enjoyable just to watch you experience. I’m curious, what are your top 5 first class products? You mentioned this was in the top 5.

[@ascubapro]

Never had considered JAL till now thanks great video like always.🌸

[@Valente_Quintero]

Nice!! So how much total did you spend on drinks?

[@ricardo_del_toro]

Flying this on June the 6th. Cannot wait!

[@AskSebby]

Enjoy! :)

[@PatNeedhamUSA]

Haven't finished watching a minute of the video yet but Sebby please add the amount of points/miles you used for the flight in the video title instead of just the taxes/fees.

[@LK_EBM]

He doesn't mention the points in the video. It's in the blog.

[@bentencho]

IMO, the ANA F has better service than JAL but sometimes not all the CA speaks English as proficiently. That being said, JAL F service is still top notch. My 5 year old is autistic and is very picky with his food.... so he didn't eat anything on the flight (fortunately I had room to eat his portions). The cabin attendant went out of her way to make onigiri for my son as I mentioned it's one of his staples at home. Then she also packed a bag full of cookies, candies, chocolates, juice, etc... so he will have something to eat if/when he is hungry.

[@vgshwk]

If you can get a first or business class across the Atlantic I wouldn’t have anything to complain about. My last trip across the Atlantic I was stuck in a sandwich seat in economy. It sucked I had no choice the flight was full.

[@MKW31]

Was all of the food free?

[@AskSebby]

Yes :)

[@digitalangel88]

My dream flight would be ANA’s The Suite! I’m setting up my search for Summer 2024 out of SFO but uncertain if it will return next year. I only have Chase UR so it’s unlikely ANA will have availability for 2 F seats 24 days after their program releases. 🌸

[@wenxusun3226]

Great video as always, big fan of this type of travel/vlog video! btw out of curiosity, how long did it take you to edit this video?

[@AskSebby]

Way too long (hence the lack of other videos this week T_T). Even then, still had to do an all-nighter on Weds to crank through final cuts.

[@wenxusun3226]

@@AskSebby well, as long time fan, all i can say is we appreciate the hard work haha

[@tonymnla]

🌸 I would def book this! Thanks for the post and look forward to your next one!

[@kylesterling1728]

🌸 excellent, thorough video! I've always wanted to go to Tokyo, specifically to fly Japan airlines. Much love from USA!

[@charlesbush9199]

Sebby this sounded awesome! Really wanting to try flying to Japan first class with points summer 2024. I hope that is realistic. Does anyone know the best way to try to do this if you are east coast?

[@AskSebby]

Same concepts, just look at the East Coast pricing: www.asksebby.com/guides/book-jal-first-class

[@edwardtan1773]

In case yall are wondering, it's 42.20 after a points redemption. You still have to spend an insane amount of points

[@AskSebby]

~1 intro bonus via AA and sometimes AS which isn't too bad (given repeatability of those bonuses).

[@KevinYang]

🌸No doubt would take the flight! Can't wait to try out a couple business products like EVA and SQ later this year, but that ANA/JAL are both still top of the list!

[@vexare3984]

🌸 Sebby, I want to go to Japan next year too! My wife and I want to go in business class. Would the next route be the Amex platinum and transferring to ANA? Do we have to do it way in advance? Thank you good sir.

[@AskSebby]

MR to ANA to maximize availability. Usually T330 or T14 (330 days out or 14 days out -- basically planned way in advance or last minute). Sometimes T7 also has availability.

[@vexare3984]

@@AskSebby udaman

[@johnperkins5450]

🌸 love that the post first class flight meal was McDonald’s! 😂👍🏼

[@TheStallion234]

Yikes that lounge at SFO was like a waiting room

[@ugoeze7360]

Would part of the travel game be to transfer your points to a particular airline where you can get maximum value and then when you are about to purchase the ticket, use majority of the points and then pay the remainder with a co-branded airline credit card (if possible) to get the maximum value?

[@AskSebby]

For taxes and fees? Generally immaterial so I would use CSR / Platinum / Venture X for the travel coverage. If you meant as a "top up" -- not really any practical way in my experience.

[@dan13408]

🌸 I think I just added this to my aspirational list.

[@sergioquinn1758]

Mounting your Go pro suction pad in the touch screen is extremely rude!! You need to figure out another way to get the shot from another angle.

[@AskSebby]

Really? We've done this on countless flights and it's never been an issue with the cabin crew. Some even say "hi" to the camera :) It's contained within the suite and we voice over the video later so it doesn't disturb anyone.

[@sergioquinn1758]

Those cabin crew probably don't care 😁. Not all cabin crews are created equal 😎.

[@Zabomafooable]

🌸 I'm assuming the blog post breakdown is for a one way trip right? Are there deals for booking round trip or do you just have to book 2 one ways? And do you plan on flying back first class as well?

[@johnperkins5450]

There is no benefit to booking RT award tickets versus two separate OW award tickets, as there generally is when you pay with $. It is also best to book two separate OW awards, so you have more flexibility. I.e. after you fly the first OW, if your plans change, you can easily change the 2nd OW coming back, whereas if both awards were booked as a RT, you’d have more issues/restrictions changing the 2nd OW.

[@AskSebby]

Most are one-way with the exception of some currencies (i.e., ANA via their currency is round-trip).

[@johnperkins5450]

@@AskSebby good point Sebby, ANA only doing RT awards. I wish that was not the case.

[@karlabland7901]

Wonder if passenger in 1K knew there was a food & drink competition taking place 🌸😊

[@shred315]

I really want JAL first class for honey moon next year! But i think we will settle for economy. Additionally, booking with points with asia miles has a 350 dollar charge per ticket, is yhis normal? 💮

[@canadianaviator]

Yeah, more fees and fuel charges with Cathay

[@karenynyc2111]

🌸 Wow!!! We recently flew JAL business from JFK to Narita… loved the experience, treated the whole family as an upgrade! Seeing this video - I need to learn about the points for First class! ✌️⛩️💯🤭

[@garnelljohnson1829]

🌸🌸🌸 Thanks Man. As alway love the content 🌸🌸🌸

[@dricedt]

They charge for for alcohol on first class?

[@AskSebby]

No, all complimentary.

[@dricedt]

@@AskSebby o ok. I was confused because you were listing out the prices. Thanks!

[@travelswiththecontessa5307]

A year ago I had an award flights on Japan Airlines first-class booked from Seoul to Tokyo to Amsterdam to Southampton, but because of the covid restrictions they canceled the crucial Tokyo to Amsterdam leg of the journey! I was so disappointed!😅