Bilt May Be Adding Japan Airlines as a Transfer Partner
UPDATE: Looks like this might have been premature on Bilt's end as they've removed the page from their website. See the content block below, though, for the same content prior to Bilt's removal.
According to a new page on Bilt's website, Japan Airlines Mileage Bank will be coming soon as a transfer partner. This is a very unique transfer partner as there's currently no way for non-Japan based people to earn JAL points outside of flying on Japan Airlines metal and credit it to the airline.
Bilt will transfer at a 1:1 ratio to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank:
Redeem your Bilt Points and fly throughout Asia and beyond with Japan's premier airline and its extensive partner network.
- Award Travel - Book flights on JAL, oneworld alliance airlines, and other partner carriers
- Cabin Upgrades - Enhance your travel experience with more comfort and premium service by using points to upgrade your
- Experiences - Redeem for concerts, events, and unique travel adventures
- Shopping - Redeem miles for merchandise and gift certificates
As a member of the oneworld alliance, Japan Airlines connects you to over 1,000 destinations worldwide through its 13 oneworld partners.
Outside of the pretty poor "JAL USA Card" US citizens can get, it would really be the only other alternative, sans flying, and it will be by far the most popular way to get points over to JAL.
I have to say, this is quite surprising, although Japanese mileage programs seem to be going through a recent transformation as a whole. ANA is ending RTW tickets and allowing for one-way booking shortly, and now this with JAL. Maybe these airlines are seeing the boost in revenue they can get with more bookings from US-based travelers.
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