JAL & ANA Increase Fees

Japan Airlines and ANA are increasing award taxes and fees starting May 1.

​A flight to Japan that may cost 27,000 points + $197 like the one below will now cost around $350 in taxes and fees.

​Ouch.

​The silver lining here?

​Award fee increases are only temporary for the months of May and June.

​(Hey, other airlines! Take some notes over here!)

​There’s a couple ways to fight back against this one

​Number one - book ASAP

​Book in April to avoid the surcharges in May and June on these two programs.

​Number two - pay in cash

​Budget airline ZipAir, (owned by Japan Airlines) has flights for less than $400 one way and around the same cost as the NEW taxes and fees on award flights.​

If you’re flexible with dates, you can find deals throughout the year to and from Japan.

​Number three - consider another airline program

​Here’s a booking with American Airlines for only 35,000 points + $5.60.

​The flight might be a few more points than Japan Airlines, but the taxes and fees are WAY more doable.

​Luckily, this devaluation is temporary so hopefully these changes are not permanent with Japan Airlines and ANA.