By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: JAL Mileage Bank was for years one of the more stable airline programs, with a published chart and strong premium-cabin value, but it has devalued twice in recent memory: a 2018 partner-award increase and a major June 10, 2025 change that raised awards on JAL-operated flights, with first class climbing up to 80 percent. The chart survives, but the program is no longer the bargain it was.
Years of stability
Japan Airlines Mileage Bank built a reputation for reasonable, predictable award pricing on a published chart, with some of the best first and business class value to and within Asia. For a long time it sat out the wave of devaluations sweeping other programs, which made it a favorite for premium redemptions on JAL and oneworld partners. See flying JAL First with points.
Two devaluations break the calm
The stability ended in two steps. On November 20, 2018, JAL devalued redemption rates on partner airlines, raising the cost of those awards. Then on June 10, 2025, it issued a major devaluation of its own domestic and international award chart, sharply increasing premium-cabin prices: first class rose by as much as 80 percent on some routes, and business and premium economy also climbed. A Tokyo to Sydney first class award, for instance, jumped from 57,500 miles to 97,500. The program that had resisted cuts finally made two.
What remains
JAL still publishes a chart, and its premium cabins remain excellent, so the program retains value, just at higher prices than before. Miles come mainly from flying, from the Marriott transfer program, and from some partners. Treat it as a program that has shown it will devalue, book premium awards when you find space, and do not bank miles long term expecting the old prices. See the devaluation overview.
Frequently asked questions
Has JAL Mileage Bank devalued?
Yes, twice in recent years: a partner-award increase on November 20, 2018, and a major June 10, 2025 devaluation of its own award chart that raised premium cabins, with first class up by as much as 80 percent on some routes.
How much did JAL first class go up in 2025?
By as much as 80 percent on some routes. For example, a Tokyo to Sydney first class award rose from 57,500 miles to 97,500 under the June 10, 2025 chart, with business and premium economy also increasing.
Does JAL still have an award chart?
Yes. Despite the 2025 devaluation, JAL Mileage Bank still publishes a fixed award chart, which is increasingly rare, so redemption costs remain predictable even though they are higher than before.
Is JAL Mileage Bank still worth it?
Yes, for its excellent first and business class on JAL and oneworld partners, just at higher prices after 2025. Miles come from flying, the Marriott transfer program, and partners, so book premium awards when space opens.
Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.
