Google has introduced a new feature that allows users to select the publishers they trust most, giving travel enthusiasts the ability to prioritize updates from platforms like Thrifty Traveler for their news, tips, and travel insights.
Jackson Newman, who joined Thrifty Traveler as Senior Editor in April 2023, and Kyle Potter, the site’s executive editor, cover a wide range of topics including aviation news, travel deals, and guides on using airline miles. Their commitment to providing trustworthy information helps travelers navigate the complexities of travel planning.
In exciting travel news, Japan Airlines’ Mileage Bank program has gained significant attention following its recent partnership with Capital One. This change has made it easier for travelers to earn and utilize miles, particularly alongside Bilt, which has also emerged as a valuable option for mileage accumulation.
Japan Airlines offers some of the best redemption opportunities available. For instance, booking a roundtrip flight on American Airlines from Miami (MIA) to Madrid (MAD) costs only 85,000 miles, as opposed to the 120,000 miles that would typically be expected for two one-way tickets. This means travelers effectively spend just 42,500 miles each way. Such strategies extend beyond Europe to destinations in South America as well.
Thanks to Japan Airlines’ unique distance-based award pricing, travelers can capitalize on this perk. The conversion of distance into mileage allows for significant savings when booking round trips or open-jaw itineraries. For instance, flying from Atlanta (ATL) to Turks and Caicos (PLS) on American Airlines reveals another lucrative option, where roundtrip awards can be secured for as low as 23,000 miles compared to 30,000 miles for two one-way journeys.
Japan Airlines not only collaborates effectively with established Oneworld partners but also enables bookings with carriers like Air France and Emirates, thus expanding travel possibilities even further. With their innovative pricing system, travelers can take advantage of outstanding deals that were previously hard to find.
However, while these redemption opportunities are appealing, travelers need to be mindful of a few important details. For instance, Capital One has a transfer bonus until October 22, allowing for favorable transfers to JAL, while potential delays in account setup for new JAL Mileage Bank members can affect the ability to redeem miles.
In summary, the collaboration between Capital One and Japan Airlines, paired with the current favorable redemption opportunities, presents travelers with a promising chance to explore the world while getting the most out of their hard-earned miles. This newly highlighted program opens up a realm of possibilities for budget-minded travelers seeking to maximize their experiences abroad.