Part 1 How to Choose an Airline

In the past, choosing between JAL and ANA was often influenced by vague reasons such as "my family used it" or "I had many opportunities to fly with them." However, now that mileage systems and airline services have become increasingly complex and sophisticated, and having gone through major changes such as institutional reforms and the introduction of dynamic pricing between 2024 and 2025, an era has arrived where "which one you choose" significantly affects the value of your miles and the comfort of your travels.

While both JAL and ANA are Japan's leading full-service carriers, there are fundamental differences in their route networks, partners, aircraft configurations, mileage systems, and elite status programs. In addition, the difference in the international alliances to which both companies belong (JAL = oneworld, ANA = Star Alliance) is a factor that has a long-term impact on international travel and the use of international award tickets.

Especially from 2025 onwards, strategic decisions will be required from the following perspectives:

• Which one is easier to fly from the region where you live?

• Which one is stronger for the travel destinations or business trip locations you visit often?

• Which one makes it easier to earn miles in daily life?

• Which one makes it easier to get award tickets, or which one offers higher value?

• Which one makes it easier to receive benefits from the elite status program?

In this chapter, we will thoroughly compare JAL and ANA from every angle to determine which one should be the axis for you as a miler, or whether a "hybrid strategy" that leverages the merits of both is effective. Whether you are a travel lover, a business traveler, a family trip planner, or someone aiming for elite status in the future, we will provide insights that will surely be useful for your future mileage strategy.

1. Characteristics and proper use of routes and aircraft: Knowing geographical strengths

The first step in choosing an airline is to clarify your needs regarding "where you want to go." JAL and ANA have clear differences in the routes they excel at and the aircraft they use.

JAL: A "community-based" airline strong in remote island and regional routes

JAL is characterized by its strength in remote island routes such as Yakushima and Miyakojima, and its well-developed network to regional airports. In particular, the enrichment of regional routes by its subsidiary J-Air is high, and it has introduced many small aircraft such as Embraer jets. These small aircraft provide a more comfortable boarding experience than expected, and their convenience stands out for business trips to regional areas or travel to secluded areas far from human habitation.

In addition, JAL is a member of the oneworld alliance, and through code-share flights and mileage partnerships with airlines around the world such as American Airlines and British Airways, it has strengthened its access to North America and Europe.

ANA: A "hub-and-spoke" airline strong in intercity transport

On the other hand, ANA has developed an excellent network for intercity transport connecting Sapporo and Naha with Kansai and Chubu, and frequently uses medium-to-large aircraft such as the Boeing 737, 787, and Airbus A320 series. This demonstrates an advantage in transport stability and securing the number of seats. For both business demand and tourist travel, ANA is a very effective choice for increasing access between major cities.

ANA is a member of the Star Alliance, and through partnerships with more than 25 of the world's largest airlines, such as United Airlines and Lufthansa, it also has strengths in international flight development. For those planning trips to a wide range of regions, especially Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania, the vast network of the Star Alliance is a major attraction.

Choosing an alliance that has many flights from your place of residence, major travel destinations, and the airports you use requires a strategic choice, as it significantly affects the ease of earning miles and the range of use for award tickets.

2. Ease of obtaining award tickets

Among milers, the evaluation that "JAL miles are hard to earn but easy to use" and "ANA miles are easy to earn but hard to use" had become established, but this situation changed significantly after October 2024, when both ANA and JAL unified the number of miles required for award tickets to a "dynamic pricing" system. The introduction of a new system where the number of miles fluctuates flexibly according to supply and demand has diluted the conventional clear superiority or inferiority, making flexible choices based on actual seat availability and mileage balances even more important.

JAL: Award tickets that can be targeted even during peak seasons

JAL award tickets are relatively easy to find even during peak seasons such as the year-end/New Year holidays and Golden Week, and it is not uncommon to be able to secure your desired flight depending on the timing. This is thought to be because the number of seats supplied and the number of miles required for popular routes differ compared to ANA. In particular, for international award tickets, it is often said that it is relatively easy to secure slots with JAL's partner airlines (e.g., American Airlines).

ANA: Targeting off-peak seasons is the basic strategy, popular routes are highly competitive

In contrast, while ANA tickets are relatively easy to get on weekdays and during off-peak seasons, there is high competition for award slots on popular dates such as weekends, long weekends, and holidays, and there have been many cases where booking becomes difficult. Popular resort routes like Hawaii, in particular, tend to become a battleground.

However, since October 2024, both ANA and JAL have unified the number of miles required for award tickets to a "dynamic pricing" system, bringing significant volatility to the value of miles. Under the previous fixed-mileage system, the value per mile for specific routes was relatively stable, but under the new system, it has been confirmed that the number of required miles increases significantly during periods of high demand and on popular routes.

For example, for international first class, it has been reported that the number of required miles increases by nearly 70% on some routes. This means that the "cash value" obtained for the same number of miles fluctuates significantly, and milers now need to view miles as "variable assets" rather than "fixed assets."

As a result, more sophisticated and flexible booking strategies have become necessary, such as targeting off-peak seasons, ensuring early booking, or aiming for canceled slots with last-minute bookings. The importance of not just saving miles but "how to use them wisely" has increased, and in some cases, it is suggested that the relative attractiveness of using miles for things other than award tickets (such as hotel stays or product exchanges) may improve.

I personally collect both ANA and JAL miles, and when booking award tickets, I compare the availability, required miles, and flight times of both companies to choose the one with the best conditions. Since there are many situations where I am slightly short of miles for one or the other, I realize the importance of collecting both miles in parallel on a daily basis. In particular, for international award tickets, it is also an effective strategy to hold miles from multiple companies (e.g., ANA and JAL's partner alliances) in a balanced manner, as utilizing miles from partner airlines can provide more options.

3. Characteristics and cost-performance of premium classes

Domestic premium classes also differ in characteristics between ANA and JAL.

ANA's "Premium Class": A luxurious experience with meals

ANA's "Premium Class" is a luxurious specification that features reclining seats that are wider and more comfortable than economy, as well as in-flight meals and drinks for each route, and the right to use the ANA Lounge on the day of the flight. The additional fee varies depending on the route, but the market price for a same-day upgrade is generally around 7,000 to 10,000 yen. ANA is perfect for those who want to enjoy meals and drinks, and since you can receive high-quality service even on short-haul routes, it is perfect when you want to enjoy a little luxury.

JAL's "Class J": Easy, one-rank-higher comfort

On the other hand, while JAL's "Class J" does not have in-flight meals, it is characterized by wide, spacious seats. Since it can be used for an additional fee of only about 3,000 yen, its cost-performance is outstanding. JAL is suitable for those who say "seat comfort alone is enough," and it is wise to use them differently depending on your purpose. It is very effective when you want to ensure comfort even on short flight times, such as on day trips for business.

4. Differences in mileage return rates and point systems

The mileage return rate earned from daily shopping, etc., is basically 200 yen = 1 mile (0.5% return rate) for both JAL and ANA general cards. However, there are major differences in the process of exchanging for miles and the bonus settings for each card.

JAL: "Simple is best" where miles are earned directly

JAL cards use a format where JAL miles are immediately granted directly for the amount settled, with 1 mile per 200 yen as the base. The return rate increases if you use special partner stores or campaigns, and it is characterized by being simple and easy to understand. Because miles are accumulated in a directly visible form, you can strongly feel the "realization of saving."

By registering for the "JAL Card Shopping Mile Premium" (annual fee 4,950 yen; automatically included for Gold and above), which JAL card users can join additionally, the mileage grant rate doubles (200 yen = 2 miles, 1% return rate). When used at special partner stores, the return rate is further increased, so "Premium" members can expect a high return of up to 2%, and even non-members can expect up to 1%. It is a very cost-effective system for users who settle more than 1 million yen per year with a JAL card.

The simplicity of having miles granted directly at the same time as JAL card settlement has the psychological advantage that users can intuitively grasp the progress of their mileage acquisition. This "realization of saving" is a major advantage, especially for mileage beginners and users who want to maintain motivation in their daily settlements. By utilizing Shopping Mile Premium and special partner stores (Aeon, FamilyMart, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, etc.), all daily expenses are directly linked to miles, so the structure makes it easy for mileage acquisition activities to be naturally incorporated as "part of life" rather than "something special." It can be said that the JAL card is more suitable for users who want to avoid complicated point exchange routes and users who value the transparency of mileage acquisition.

ANA: 'Flexible Options' for Accumulating via Points

On the other hand, with ANA cards, there is a two-step mechanism where you first accumulate points from the credit card company (e.g., V Points, Oki Doki Points, Membership Rewards points, etc.) and then transfer them to ANA miles. Transferring from V Points to ANA miles typically has a redemption rate of around 0.5% to 1%, and transfer fees and limits vary depending on the card type. For example, while the ANA VISA Wide Gold Card allows for a 1% redemption rate with no transfer fees, there are cases where general cards incur an annual transfer fee of 6,600 yen.

This point system has the advantage of allowing you to exchange points for other partner points such as V Points or Rakuten Points in addition to miles, so even if you haven't decided how to use your miles, you can accumulate points while carefully considering your options. Furthermore, some ANA partner cards offer high redemption rates for specific types of spending (e.g., point bonuses for purchasing ANA flight tickets with the ANA American Express Gold Card), allowing for even more efficient mile accumulation by choosing a card that matches your personal spending patterns.

5. Mile Expiration Dates and Extension Strategies

There is no point in accumulating miles if they end up expiring. Both companies offer various extension strategies in addition to the standard expiration period (generally 36 months).

ANA Mile Expiration Extension Strategies

ANA miles generally expire after 36 months (3 years), but there are extension strategies such as the following. By exchanging miles nearing their expiration date for 'ANA SKY Coins,' you can gain a 12-month grace period from the month of exchange. Sky Coins can be used for ANA flight tickets and travel products at a rate of 1 coin = 1 yen. During the ANA 'Diamond Service' membership period, the expiration date of miles is extended and they do not expire. Additionally, once you become a 'Million Miler' with a lifetime total of 1 million miles or more, your miles will never expire.

Furthermore, with some cards such as the ANA Amex or Diners, the credit card company's points have no expiration date, allowing you to transfer them to miles at your preferred timing, which effectively makes the miles indefinite. This is a very attractive option for those who plan to accumulate a large number of miles to use for award tickets but have not yet decided on specific travel dates.

JAL Mile Expiration Extension Strategies

JAL miles also generally expire after 36 months (3 years), but there will be significant changes due to the 'JAL Life Status Program' introduced from January 2025. This program accumulates lifetime 'Life Status Points' not only from boarding JAL Group flights but also from a wide range of JAL Group service usage, such as payments with JAL cards or JAL Pay, shopping at JAL Mall, and using JAL NEOBANK. While Life Status Points cannot be used directly for award exchanges, they are directly linked to extending mile expiration dates and earning or maintaining JGC status.

Specifically, miles earned from January 2025 onwards by members with 'JMB Elite,' 'JMB Elite Plus,' or 'JGC 3 Star' status and above will have their expiration date extended to 60 months (5 years). Furthermore, for those holding 'JGC Four Star' status or higher, the expiration date of miles becomes indefinite.

As shown, both companies allow you to effectively extend your expiration dates by strategically utilizing your miles beyond the standard expiration period. If you wish to accumulate miles from a long-term perspective, it is important to choose a card that takes these extension strategies into account.

6. Elite Membership Programs

JAL and ANA each offer their own unique elite membership programs, and by obtaining these qualifications, you can enjoy various benefits such as priority treatment at the airport and increased comfort during flights.

JAL Global Club (JGC)

JGC is a lifetime elite membership program offered by JAL. To join, you must accumulate 'JAL Life Status Points' introduced from January 2025, reach 'JGC Three Star (1,500 points),' and hold a JAL card of CLUB-A level or higher.

How to Accumulate JAL Life Status Points
Life Status Points are lifetime points accumulated through every point of contact with the JAL Group.

• Accumulation via flights: You earn points by boarding JAL Group flights.

  • Domestic flights: 5 points per boarding

  • International flights: 5 points per 1,000 sector miles

• Accumulation via lifestyle services:

  • JAL Card usage: 5 points for every 2,000 shopping miles earned with a JAL Card (point accumulation efficiency is doubled if enrolled in the JAL Card Shopping Mile Premium)

  • JAL Pay usage: 1 point for every 500 miles

  • JAL Mall usage: 1 point for every 100 miles

  • Shops where miles are earned via JAL Mileage Park: 1 point for every 100 miles

  • Exercising voting rights at the general meeting of shareholders: 2 points for 100 to 499 shares, 10 points for 500 to 999 shares, etc. (conditions apply)

  • Others: Points are accumulated by using various JAL Group services such as JAL Hometown Tax, JAL Wellness & Travel, JALABC, JAL e-Travel Plan, and JAL Pack.

Main benefits for JGC members: JGC members can permanently enjoy the following preferential services.

• Lounge access: JAL Sakura Lounge and designated lounges of oneworld partner airlines (available for JGC Sapphire or higher; JGC Premier/Diamond/JGC Six Star can use First Class lounges), plus one guest.

• Priority during booking and boarding:

  • Dedicated reservation desk, priority waitlist

  • Dedicated check-in counters (JGC counters, international first class/business class counters)

  • JAL Global Club entrance dedicated security checkpoint

  • Priority boarding

  • Priority standby

  • Expanded advance seat selection options

• Baggage benefits:

  • Baggage allowance benefits (+20kg or +1 piece more than standard)

  • Priority baggage tag (priority baggage claim)

• Bonus miles: Bonus miles per flight (+35%, etc.), annual first-flight bonus (3,000 miles)

• Others: Tokyu Hotels status invitations, etc.

• Granting status to family members: Regardless of the family member's Life Status points, they can use the benefits mentioned above.

While achieving JGC Three Star (1,500 points) is a bit of a high hurdle, JMB Elite, which can be earned with 250 points, and JMB Elite Plus, which can be earned with 500 points, also offer attractive benefits such as expiration date extensions (from 36 to 60 months) and Sakura Lounge access (twice a year for Elite, six times a year for Elite Plus).

Super Flyers Card (SFC)

The SFC is a credit card provided for ANA's high-status members; to obtain it, you must achieve a membership status of "Platinum Service" or higher with ANA.

Conditions for obtaining SFC membership:

• Obtaining via Premium Points (PP): You must earn 50,000 Premium Points (PP) in one year (January to December) through flights operated by the ANA Group and Star Alliance member airlines (with at least 25,000 PP earned on ANA Group-operated flights) and enroll in the ANA Super Flyers Card.

• Obtaining via Life Solution Services (from 2025): It will also be possible to achieve status by meeting specific criteria through the accumulation of "Life Solution Points," which are granted based on usage of the newly introduced Life Solution Services. Usage of ANA Group services in daily life, beyond just flights, will also be evaluated.

Main benefits for SFC members: As long as SFC members continue to hold the SFC card, they can permanently enjoy the following preferential services.

Lounge access: ANA Lounges and designated lounges of Star Alliance member airlines (one guest allowed)

Priority during booking and boarding:

• Priority booking, priority waitlisting, and priority for award tickets and upgrade benefits on ANA Group domestic and international flights

• Dedicated check-in counters (e.g., international business class counters)

• Priority security checkpoints (e.g., ANA SUITE CHECK-IN, ANA FAST SECURITY LANE)

• Priority boarding

Baggage benefits:

• Additional baggage allowance (+20kg or +1 piece more than standard)

• Priority baggage tags (priority baggage claim)

Bonus miles: Bonus miles for each flight (up to +50%)

Others: Upgrade point grants for seat classes, dedicated ANA Mileage Club Service Center desk, benefits at IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, ANA Selection (purchase of exclusive products), and preferential benefits in Life Solution Services, etc.

In addition, please take a look at the following articles regarding the elite membership programs of ANA and JAL.

7. Partner Airlines and Alliances

JAL and ANA are members of different airline alliances, which significantly impacts how easily you can earn miles and use award tickets when flying internationally. Furthermore, the elite membership programs of each airline (JGC and SFC) are linked to the elite status of their respective alliances, offering the major benefit of receiving preferential treatment with partner airlines around the world.

JAL: oneworld Alliance

JAL is a member of the oneworld Alliance, and currently partners with over 15 major airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific. This allows you to not only earn JAL miles when flying with JAL, but also when flying with these partner airlines, as well as redeem JAL miles for award tickets on partner airlines. It has built a particularly strong network for routes in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, making it advantageous for those who travel frequently to these specific regions.

Integration with oneworld Alliance Elite Status and Common Benefits
JGC members are granted oneworld elite status based on their membership level.

• JGC: Equivalent to oneworld Sapphire

• JGC Premier, JGC Diamond, JGC Six Star: Equivalent to oneworld Emerald

Main common benefits of oneworld Sapphire/Emerald:
You can receive the following preferential treatment when using oneworld member airlines.

• Sapphire (Equivalent to JGC Regular Member, JGC Three Star, JMB Crystal): Business lounge access (up to 1 guest allowed), priority boarding, priority check-in, additional baggage allowance (+15kg or +1 piece more than standard), priority baggage handling, priority waitlisting, and priority seat selection.

• Emerald (Equivalent to JGC Premier, JGC Diamond, JGC Six Star, JMB Diamond): First class lounge access (up to 1 guest allowed), and in addition to the Sapphire benefits above, further additional baggage allowance (+20kg or +1 piece more than standard), and priority security screening (Fast Track).

ANA: Star Alliance

ANA is a member of the Star Alliance, and currently partners with 27 airlines, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines. This vast network provides access to major cities around the world. ANA miles can also be earned on flights with these partner airlines, and there is a very wide range of options for award tickets. The convenience of the Star Alliance is a major draw for those planning trips to a wide variety of regions, particularly Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania.

Integration with Star Alliance Elite Status and Common Benefits
SFC members are granted Gold status with Star Alliance.

Main common benefits of Star Alliance Gold: Airport lounge access (access to business lounges of Star Alliance member airlines, up to 1 guest allowed), priority check-in, priority boarding, priority security screening (Gold Track), priority waitlisting, baggage benefits (+20kg or +1 piece more than standard), and priority baggage tags (priority baggage handling).

Which alliance offers the greatest benefits for you depends on the routes you use, your destination, and how frequently you fly. Choosing an alliance that has many flights from the airport you usually use is one strategy.