How to get it for less than the price of coach

Here’s an exception to the dominant modus operandi of most airline mileage programs: Finding new ways to provide less comfort for more money or frequent-flyer miles.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, beginning Feb. 1, JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) members will enjoy a 10,000-mile discount on Business Class award seats for travel between April 1 and June 30, and Dec. 1 and Feb. 28, 2009. Let me emphasize the word “enjoy” because the relatively new JAL Business Class seat, now in place on all the carrier’s US routes, is a traveler’s delight (relatively speaking)

As reported in FCF last June, the new seat is wider and has much more legroom and recline than its predecessor—and it is much better than the seats most US carriers offer to Asia.

During the promotion, the cost of a JAL Business Class round-trip award seat from Honolulu to Japan will be reduced from 60,000 to 50,000 miles; all other North American routes to Japan will be reduced from 80,000 to 70,000 miles. JAL is a Oneworld (American and friends) member.

JAL Mileage Bank enrollment is free to anyone. Membership application can be made online at www.jal.com.

Business Class for less than the price of coach

American charges 65,000 miles for economy class most of the year—for a seat that reclines maybe four inches. Transfer 60,000 Starwood Starpoints—the credit-card currency with seemingly infinite possibilities—to JAL’s Mileage Bank, however, and you can fly JAL’s Business Class seat, which reclines to 170 degrees.

Reviewing the fine print we see that to be eligible for the discount, reservations must be placed through JAL’s website. Only new bookings are valid, and there is no waitlist. For full terms and conditions visit JAL at: http://www.jal.co.jp/en/jmb/new_rule/tokuten_w.html#title_02.

Side note: JAL Global Club Premier, JMB Diamond and Sapphire cardholders can now access 400 airport lounges worldwide offered by the Oneworld airlines, and depending on status level, are entitled to priority check-in, preferred boarding and seating, as well as priority standby and wait listing at airports covered by the alliance’s network.