Bilt Adds JAL as Transfer Partner

Bilt Rewards is the loyalty program of the Bilt Mastercard. If you’re a renter, this card is a no brainer. Even if you don’t rent, there is still a ton of value to be had with their program and a lot of ways to earn Bilt points even if you don’t rent. We heard rumors about this a few weeks ago but as of today, May 13th, Bilt has added Japan Airlines as their 20th transfer partner.

Japan Airlines is Bilt’s Newest Transfer Partner

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

What makes this so great is no other U.S. points program besides Bilt allows you to transfer points to Japan Airlines. JAL’s website isn’t the most modern out there but I would recommend signing up now even if you don’t have a specific redemption in mind. The reason being is you need an account at least 60 days old to redeem miles with them. Bilt actually has negotiated a really consumer friendly deal in that if your account is less than 60 days old, you will have to wait 7 days before you can use your new JAL miles for a trip. So just sign up now to avoid that. I did it this morning and it took all of 5 minutes.

Japan Airlines

Using Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

JAL has a unique program that can be extremely valuable for travel to Japan (go figure!). The benefit of their program is you’ll have access to their schedule when they release it 360 days in advance. JAL also does a good job of releasing 1 first class and 2 business class seats right when their schedule opens. Before Bilt, the best way to book JAL award seats was with American Airlines and Alaska Airlines but they only release their schedules 331 days out and 330 days out respectively. So those premium seats are usually already taken by JAL’s members usually within minutes or hours. The other option is to use Cathay Pacific miles for JAL. Cathay is a transfer partner of American Express, Citi and Capital One as well as Bilt. Cathay also has access to JAL seats 360 days out but their prices are a little bit higher than booking directly with JAL miles.

Japan Airlines Booking Restriction

One of the unique aspects of booking flights with JAL is that in addition to needing a “seasoned” frequent flyer account you also can only book seats for your family members you are either married to or related to by blood. With the vast majority of other carriers, you can book flights for whomever you’d like. This is something to keep in mind if you are traveling with a friend or significant other. If you’re booking your honeymoon keep this in mind as they won’t let you book the flight if you aren’t married yet!

Wrapping Up

Bilt continues to impress me. Their program keeps on adding great and unique transfer partners and they have a new promotion on the first of each month to reward their members. Bilt adding Japan Airlines as their 20th transfer partner shows just how innovative they are.