Japan Airlines postpones its 'free round-trip flights' contest due to coronavirus
Update as of May 5, 2020: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has halted travel worldwide, Japan Airlines has temporarily stopped accepting applications for its Win a Trip with JAL promotion, as reported by No Mas Coach.
The promotion offered up to 100,000 complimentary seats on JAL domestic routes to up to 50,000 visitors to Japan during the summer of 2020 in conjunction with the Tokyo Summer Olympics. The Games have been postponed until summer 2021.
According to the FAQ on JAL's website, those with tickets already may still use them, but any tickets provided as part of the campaign cannot be changed.
As a reminder, Japan has closed its border to U.S. citizens for the time being. And that's in addition to the standing Level 4 travel advisory issued by the US State Department urging U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel.
JAL says it will announce when it will start accepting applications again on its website once decided.
Japan Airlines (JAL) recently announced its Win a Trip with JAL promotion, which will offer up to 100,000 complimentary seats on JAL domestic routes to up to 50,000 visitors to Japan this summer -- although passengers won't get to choose the exact destination. If you plan to visit Japan this summer, here's what you need to know to take advantage of this promotion.
Related: Your guide to attending the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo
You must be visiting Japan between June 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020, and be available to travel on the complimentary domestic flights between July 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. All domestic flights will depart from and return to Tokyo Haneda (HND), Osaka Itami (ITM) or Osaka Kansai (KIX).
Applications will open in late February 2020 to all JAL Mileage Bank members who reside outside Japan. When you apply, JAL will show you four possible destinations. If you don't like these destinations, you can refresh your search to see four different destinations. If you plan to travel with others, you should apply together as a group of up to four people to ensure you can travel to the same destination on the same dates.
When you apply, you'll be able to choose from three or five departure and arrival time slots. You'll also be able to find sightseeing tips and information on local specialties. Once you apply, JAL will tell you which destination you'll go to within three days of your application.
If you plan to take advantage of this promotion, be aware of the following important details:
- There is a limit on the number of applications per day
- There is a limit on the number of new searches per day
- Passengers must be JAL Mileage Bank members (Overseas Region members only)
- Residence must be outside Japan -- passenger must hold a passport issued by a country other than Japan, or a Japanese passport holder with the right of permanent residence of a country other than Japan.
- When boarding, you may be asked to present proof that you visited Japan during the specified period (such as a copy of an international flight ticket or eTicket)
- Flights depart from / return to Tokyo (Haneda) and Osaka (Itami / Kansai) only
- You cannot apply again if you cancel (for personal reasons) after the application is complete
- There are a limited number of seats available for Win a Trip with JAL, so in some cases no destinations will be shown
If you're traveling within Japan during other periods -- or want to select your destination -- domestic flights in Japan can often be booked on budget carriers for very little cost. Or, if you want to fly on Japan Airlines, you can purchase a JAL Japan Explorer Pass or use American Airlines miles to book domestic flights in Japan for just 7,500 miles each way on most routes. Alternatively, you could also get great value using United miles to fly on ANA.
Visiting Japan soon? Check out the following guides while planning your trip:
- The best ways to travel to Japan with points and miles
- Maximize Amex transfer bonus for incredible business and first-class redemptions to Japan
- There's a workaround to getting cheap flights for the Tokyo Olympics
- Tokyo Narita vs. Haneda: Which airport should I fly into?
- Second cities: Destinations to add onto a trip to Tokyo
- 11 things to know before your first visit to a Japanese bath
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees