The JAL Partner Award Chart Devaluation will occur on November 20, 2018, increasing Emirates First Class awards 22-28%. This is important because JAL Mileage Bank miles have been the most attractive ones to use for Emirates awards since Alaska increased its Emirates First Class Awards 100% with no notice back in 2016.
Of course, you don't get Emirates Chauffeur included for JAL, Alaska, or other partner awards (only when award ticket is booked with Emirates Skwards miles, or in some cases, Qantas miles), and JAL does charge fuel surcharges on Emirates awards that depart the U.S., but it's still been a decent deal if you had JAL Mileage Bank miles or were willing to transfer in the requisite SPG Starpoints.
Here's the JAL Partner Award Chart for Before and After 11/20/18:
As it's distance-based, the best use of the chart has been for longer trips, especially those that originate outside the U.S. and avoid fuel surcharges. Here are examples of the higher award chart pricing on popular routes:
1. JFK-MXP-JFK in Emirates First Class
Miles: 7990
Until 11/19/18: 100K miles
From 11/20/18: 120K miles
Increase: 20%
2. MLE-DXB-JFK in Emirates First Class
Miles: 8734
Until 11/19/18: 105K miles
From 11/20/18: 135K miles
Increase: 29%
3. SYD-DXB-LHR in Emirates First Class
Miles: 10,901
Until 11/19/18: 115K miles
From 11/20/18: 145K miles
Increase: 26%
4. SYD-DXB-JFK in Emirates First Class
Miles: 14,961
Until 11/19/18: 155K miles
From 11/20/18: 190K miles
Increase: 23%
5. JFK-DXB-MLE-DXB-JFK in Emirates First Class
Miles: 17,467
Until 11/19/18: 155K miles
From 11/20/18: 190K miles
Increase: 23%
At least JAL has given about 6 months notice prior to the devaluation, and you just have to book by November 19, 2018, you don't have to travel by then. But it's yet another reason why it's important to hedge against devaluations by keeping most of your points as transferable points: SPG Starpoints, Chase Ultimate Rewards, AMEX Membership Rewards points.
Do you plan to book any Emirates or other JAL partner awards before the devaluation?
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HT: Dan
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