Bilt Rewards Partners with Japan Airlines: A New Opportunity for Hawaii Travelers

Bilt Rewards Partners with Japan Airlines: A New Opportunity for Hawaii Travelers

Aloha Travelers, Bilt Rewards has announced a new partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL), allowing members to transfer Bilt Points to JAL's Mileage Bank at a 1:1 ratio. This collaboration is particularly beneficial for Hawaii-based travelers, offering a new avenue to earn and redeem points for flights to Japan and beyond.

Key Highlights of the Bilt-JAL Partnership

  • 1:1 Transfer Ratio: Bilt Points can now be transferred to JAL Mileage Bank miles on a one-to-one basis, providing a straightforward way to accumulate miles for international travel.

  • Quick Transfer Process: Most transfers are completed within 10 minutes, facilitating timely bookings.

  • Access to JAL's Premium Cabins: Members can redeem miles for JAL's award-winning premium cabins, including the new A350-1000 aircraft featuring first-class "JAL Suites" and private business class seating.

  • Generous Stopover Policy: JAL allows up to three stopovers on partner airline awards and up to seven on one-world alliance awards, enabling more flexible travel itineraries.

Implications for Hawaii Travelers

For residents of Hawaii, this partnership opens up better travel options:

  • Direct Flights to Japan: JAL operates flights from Honolulu to Tokyo, making it convenient for Hawaii travelers to access Japan directly.

  • Expanded Network via oneworld Alliance: Through JAL's membership in the oneworld alliance, travelers can connect to various destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America.

  • Alternative to Traditional Credit Cards: While the Bilt Mastercard may not be the first recommendation for all travelers, it offers a unique advantage for renters by allowing them to earn points on rent payments without transaction fees.

Considerations Before getting BILT & Transferring Points

  • No Sign-Up Bonus: The Bilt Mastercard does not offer a traditional sign-up bonus; points are earned through spending.

  • Redemption Restrictions: JAL's Mileage Bank typically requires accounts to be at least 60 days old to redeem miles. However, Bilt members benefit from a reduced waiting period of up to seven days post-transfer.

  • Booking Limitations: JAL's award bookings are restricted to family members, which may limit flexibility for some travelers.

Final Thoughts

The Bilt-JAL partnership presents a valuable opportunity for Hawaii-based travelers, especially renters looking to maximize their everyday expenses for travel rewards. By leveraging this collaboration, travelers can access JAL's extensive network and premium services, making international travel more attainable.

If you decide to apply for the BILT card, here is our affiliate link.

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