Guide To Booking Business Class and First Class Award Flights to Japan With Credit Card Points (ANA)

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In this video, I walk you through the process of booking an ANA award flight to Japan, whether you have the flexibility to book last minute deals or have more specific dates in the future you’re dealing with. I also discuss some of the glitches and complications that can complicate the booking process.
If you're interested in more videos like this, please like, comment, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to find out when the next video is up.
Thanks for tuning in!
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For more options on getting to Japan, check out my latest video on Japan Airlines:
• Japan Airlines (JAL): ...
Link to the section of the Flying Blue Video (Air France/KLM) that discusses moving points from credit cards to travel partners:
• Booking Award Flights ...
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Feel free to email me at mels.milesandpoints@gmail.com for a free consultation.
#Japan #allnipponairways #ana #anaflight #businessclass #firstclass #firstclassflight #awardbookings #travelhacking #creditcards #milesandpoints #awardbooking #saveonflights
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Disclaimer: The information in this video is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It was not provided by, reviewed, confirmed, or endorsed by the company/companies mentioned. I am not a financial advisor, lawyer, CPA, or tax expert, and the opinions expressed in this video are my own and should not be taken as professional advice. You must do your own due diligence and consult with professionals before making any important financial decisions. This video may contain links through which I am compensated when you apply or are approved for offers.

Опубликовано:

10 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 136

@user-uc8wo7kl5q 6 месяцев назад

I really like how calm your videos are. No clickbait, just facts.

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

I’m so glad to hear this! Thank you! 😄

@ryanle931 6 месяцев назад

This was probably the most thorough and digestible explanation of point utilization I have seen.

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Thanks so much! Glad to hear that!

@andrewgarney 6 месяцев назад

Awesome video! - having spent many an hour thinking I need a PhD in quantum mechanics to understand award bookings this was invaluable! 👏

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

I’m so happy to hear you found it helpful! I’m working on a followup video covering Japan Airlines, so stay tuned for that! 😄

@kelseyclarke9488 5 месяцев назад

Thank you! This was bay far the most helpful explanation on the reward topic that I’ve come across so far ! Please keep them coming!

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 месяцев назад

Thank you!! I’m so glad to hear you found it useful!

@adocloja 6 месяцев назад

Always appreciate your sweet and straightforward content.

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Aww thank you!! It makes me really happy to hear that ♥️

@raoc 6 месяцев назад

I like how you explained so good and calm 😊

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Thank you! ♥️ I'm glad to hear that!

@sharoncole5093 6 месяцев назад

Can’t wait to see your photos and learn more about the Japanese culture and places to visit once you’re there! Keep the videos coming!!

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Thank you! I will!! ♥️

@ryanallman8914 6 месяцев назад

Thank you 🙏🏼 Finally, a thorough step by step guide to booking ANA. You are an angel!!

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

You're so welcome! Happy you found it helpful! 😊

@Vscounter 6 месяцев назад

Thanks for all the details. Love all your info and instantly subscribed!

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

I’m so glad to hear that! Welcome!!

@kimberlychin1996 4 месяца назад

This is so helpful and your voice is so soothing

@MelsMilesandPoints 4 месяца назад

Aww thank you!! ♥️

@ScottSpanbauer 6 месяцев назад

Great video Mel! Wonderful explanation and walk-through on how to get an award ticket.

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Thank you! So glad you liked it! I know there are some unfortunate complications involved in the booking process, but it really is worth the effort 😅

@theReal-klaatu-barada-nikto 6 месяцев назад

Thank you very much, Mel, for the informative video. The detailed explanations are very helpful. All the best and Happy New Year!

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

I’m so glad it was helpful!! Thanks for watching, and I hope you have a Happy New Year! 🎉

@1280ss 4 месяца назад

Great video! Thanks for the information and pointers!

@MelsMilesandPoints 4 месяца назад

Glad it was helpful!

@aw4003 5 месяцев назад

Love your detailed contents. Thank you.

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 месяцев назад

I appreciate that!😄

@sandahildebrand2444 6 месяцев назад

This is super informative. Thanks!!

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

You're so welcome!

@nubianpwr 3 месяца назад

Thanks for this... great insights with excellent presentation and videography👍🏾

@MelsMilesandPoints 3 месяца назад

Thanks so much!! :)

@OliKayTravels 5 месяцев назад

Very detailed and professional informative video!

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 месяцев назад

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

@tinsee9905 6 месяцев назад

very helpful! thank you very much!

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

So glad you found it helpful!

@Littletooth21 5 месяцев назад

I didn’t know about phantom space. Learned something new

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 месяцев назад

Sorry to be the bearer of such bad news 😂

@Relaxingtravelvideoandaudio 6 месяцев назад

This was really helpful. We are trying to get 4 seats for next June which I know will be basically impossible, but we are willing to split up 2/2 as needed so want to consider all options!! Thank you so much!

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Best of luck! I’m doing a video next week on booking with Japan Airlines that might give you a few other options to consider, so stay tuned!

@gosikh 5 месяцев назад

Congrats for scoring a C and F flight. Happy travels.

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 месяцев назад

Thank you! I'm really looking forward to both flights!

@morselsthecat 6 месяцев назад

morsels and i really enjoyed this video

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

I'm glad!!

@marcusyoung5440 6 месяцев назад

I enjoyed your video and subscribed. For a future related video could you consider demonstrating using ANA points including redeeming for economy seats, for a group or family?

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Glad to have you here! And thanks for the suggestion! 😃

@theinternationalist1357 6 месяцев назад

Great video! 😊 I would book with VA.

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!! And VA is a great choice - definitely the lowest number of points! 😄

@isabellabrown8388 6 месяцев назад

booking my flight now!✈️✈️

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Good luck!! 😃

@InNOWvations 4 месяца назад

The visuals are so helpful, thankyou! How far out do you search for flights. I need to head to Malaysia for my nephews wedding around Christmas time. If I were to book a flight with points, are those flexible to change if a better deal presents?

@MelsMilesandPoints 4 месяца назад

The best time is when seats are first released, but that has passed for next Christmas. There are often more seats released close in, but I’m not sure I would want to risk that for a definitive event. In terms of flexibility, United allows penalty-free changes and cancellations for award bookings, but each airline is different so double check before booking. Good luck!!

@ShellysHumbleKitchen 3 месяца назад

Hi Mel, where do I check for bonus points or other AMEX deals you mentioned? Great video! Thank you so much!

@MelsMilesandPoints 3 месяца назад

So glad you liked it!! To check for transfer bonuses, go to where you transfer points to travel partners (on AMEX app or site), and the bonuses will be listed there if there are any.

@LuckyGinger 3 месяца назад

Thank you, this helped me book my flight for next year! when searching for a return ticket from tokyo when are you likely to see availability pop up for business class? Trying to figure out my return flight still. It seems like availability is mostly available last minute vs 355 days out etc. any help would be appreciated here. also would I still be able to book with virgin atlantic if the flight has a stop elsewhere like hawaii then los angles?

@MelsMilesandPoints 3 месяца назад

Oh I’m so glad you found your departure flight!! Congratulations! For the return, the timing is the same. So for ANA, it’s 355 days out and for Virgin, I believe it’s still 331 days out. And yes you’re right that it’s easiest to find availability 355 days out or close in. In terms of Hawaii, ANA flies direct to LAX, so I think that’s the better option. But if you’re trying to build a stopover in Hawaii, I’m pretty sure Virgin doesn’t allow that. But Air Canada lets you add stopovers for 5000 points. I hope this helps! :)

@kivayugimoto4636 5 месяцев назад

I like the way you explain things clearly & I have one question, I think i know the answer - do I need to sign up for each of the airline’s (United, Canada, Virgin Atlantic) mileage program before transferring points? Thanks. :)

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 месяцев назад

Thank you! And yes, you need to join each airline’s loyalty program. It’s free and easy to do, so I suggest joining right away. That way you’re ready to go!

@TheMinecraftJRB 6 месяцев назад

WOW!!!!!

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

🥰🥰🥰

@abhimanyutyagi9676 5 месяцев назад

This was just wonderful! Great video. How about booking flights operated by etihad via it's partner airlines to and from Asia? I see no flights for this summer on aircanada!

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 месяцев назад

Thank you! And thanks also for the video suggestion. Ethiad is a great idea!

@opulent1 5 месяцев назад

Great Info! Is there a work around for "one way" ANA awards travel. International.

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 месяцев назад

Not that I know of, unfortunately. I would love if that changed!

@rickyvu2388 4 месяца назад

Thanks for sharing. I am have enough ANA points to book for business class but most are waitlist. Do you know any way to find available seat?

@MelsMilesandPoints 4 месяца назад

If you use United’s award calendar, it might make things easier. But what’s particularly difficult about booking through ANA is that you have to book round trip which makes finding availability even more difficult. I know that can be frustrating. You might also want to try a couple of the newer search tools out there.

@JOEZAAM 6 месяцев назад

Just curious if you tried talking to a air Canada representative if the glitch pops up and disappears? I have seen this glitch on British airways as well

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

I called Air Canada because I was curious whether they could see availability even though it wasn't showing up on their website. They couldn't see it either, and the agent I spoke with wasn't very helpful to be honest. He had no idea why the availability disappears like it does.

@ryanhitzler 6 месяцев назад

Great video! Did the Virgin Atlantic agent tell you the point cost when you called them, or how did you find that information?

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Yes, the agent told me 😄

@pawsomepet365 4 месяца назад

Hi Mel. Can we transfer miles from multiple credit cards to aeroplan. for example, if I have two cc, capitalone and citi, each has 100,000 miles. When booking on AirCanada, can i transfer miles from both cards to aeroplan, if I don't have enough miles on one card? Thanks Reply

@MelsMilesandPoints 4 месяца назад

Yes you can! They are all your points! Just be aware that the time it takes for points to transfer can vary.

@tonyeltigre 4 месяца назад

When I view the United calendar for LAX to Tokyo I get very few flights at 110K points and many of them aren't ANA. Are they just not available?

@MelsMilesandPoints 4 месяца назад

Yes ANA availability is often tough to find. Your best chances are if you’re booking far out (when seats are first released) or really close in (when they often offer more seats). You also might want to search for other cities and consider taking a repositioning flight. I know how frustrating the search can be, so hang in there and hopefully you’ll find something soon!

@frankgetsfamiliar 4 месяца назад

are you able to call Aeroplan to check for availability that isn't listed on the website? For example, if you find award seat availability on the United website but nothing shows on the Aeroplan site, can you instead book through the phone the same way you would for Virgin Atlantic?

@frankgetsfamiliar 4 месяца назад

ah, I did just read a different comment where you said that you spoke with an agent who was unable to see the availability as well. I might give it a try myself I suppose just to see but I'm expecting the same result.

@MelsMilesandPoints 4 месяца назад

It’s worth trying, but last time I tried, they couldn’t see the availability either. I’m hoping they fix this issue for good at some point.

@kelseyclarke9488 2 месяца назад

Ok I think I’m still confused on what united flights are saver award seats. Is it just the seats that are indicated (I) ?

@MelsMilesandPoints 2 месяца назад

Yes, if an ANA flight shows up on United’s award chart, it’s ANA saver award space that is made available to partner airlines.

@pannawatphijarnwanit6306 4 месяца назад

Is it 5000point extra to add a stopover for aeroplan even if its a business class ticket?

@MelsMilesandPoints 4 месяца назад

Yes - even for business class tickets 😁

@antoniavalderrama7365 6 месяцев назад

I’m trying to look on United’s website for economy (for 4 people) on ANA out of SFO but I’m not seeing anything available. However if I look directly on ANA, I see availability. Any tips? Thank you!

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

ANA releases award space before United does, so if you're looking out close to a year, it hasn't been released on United yet. I'm guessing that's the reason you're not seeing it.

@StaRRend 6 месяцев назад

If we’re booking a year out then air Canada (despite their glitches) would be the best bet right? I think they go out to 350 days vs united which is 330? What do you suggest we use if we book a year out?

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Yes, if you’re able to book a year out, I think Air Canada is best for business class. If you wait for Virgin and United, availability will likely be gone. The Air Canada glitch does make it difficult though. Let’s hope that’s fixed soon 🤞🏼 One other suggestion is to consider Japan Airlines as well! I might try to do a video on that soon if people are interested!

@Relaxingtravelvideoandaudio 6 месяцев назад

@@MelsMilesandPointsyes I would love the JAL video! We only have chase points so I’m trying to figure that out. Seems like via BA is the best bet there.

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

I decided to definitely make the JAL video, so stay tuned - I’m trying to get it out by next week! 😅

@yuanyuanking9983 6 месяцев назад

Thank you Mel. Is it correct to say it’s unlikely to book an ANA award seats with Virgin Atlantic due to the release date?

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

If you can be flexible and take advantage of last minute deals, then I think you can definitely take advantage of Virgin. But if you are trying to book specific dates further out, it's tough. Not impossible, but very difficult. But there are always exceptions when suddenly ANA releases more seats, so you never know. I've had better luck grabbing it from Air Canada as soon as it's released though.

@yuanyuanking9983 6 месяцев назад

@@MelsMilesandPoints appreciate it. Travel safe and happy holidays!

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Thank you @@yuanyuanking9983! Same to you! :)

@jakedennis877 2 месяца назад

Have you ever booked on ANA website directly and transferred from Amex?

@MelsMilesandPoints 2 месяца назад

I haven’t because ANA requires round trip bookings, and by the time I wait for my return date to be available, the departure date is no longer available. But if you can actually find availability, it’s a great deal!

@haven3179 8 дней назад

Are we able to book 1 leg through Virgin and then wait to find another return option?

@MelsMilesandPoints 7 дней назад

Absolutely! That's the beauty of booking one-way flights! :)

@megantye9889 5 месяцев назад

Wondering how to book for a family of 3. Especially if you don't see reward space more than 1.

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 месяцев назад

Getting three Business Class seats on ANA will be really challenging. Close-in availability is probably your best option (or flying Economy 😨). Also Japan Airways is a little easier. Check out my video on Japan Airways if you want to learn more! :)

@victorbalta1402 3 месяца назад

For ANA is the 355 days from the departure date or return?

@MelsMilesandPoints 3 месяца назад

It’s 355 days out from the individual flight, regardless of which direction you’re going. That’s why it’s so hard to book through ANA’s site. They make you book round trip, and by the time you’re 355 days out from your return flight, the options for departure flights have probably been taken. So book on one of the sites that allows one ways, and search for your departure flight when you’re 355 days out from your departure date, and then for your return flight when you’re 355 days out from your return date. Hope this helps!

@ljacobs357 4 месяца назад

I live in Houston, a big United hub. Although Air Canada may have better redemptions, I don't want to ge stuck with points on an airline that I don't fly if something goes wrong.

@MelsMilesandPoints 4 месяца назад

Yes, it’s smart to take those things into account. I feel differently about having points with Air Canada because they have so many great partner airline redemptions available. So I’m very happy to have miles parked there!

@kellychambers7965 6 месяцев назад

Could you do a similar video for Japan Airlines? Thanks!

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

I’m actually working on a Japan Airlines video right now so stay tuned! 😄

@kellychambers7965 6 месяцев назад

@@MelsMilesandPoints great! Just subscribed 😊

@darianabdullah 6 месяцев назад

Do you think it's a bad idea to speculatively transfer points to try to get 2x ANA Business or First Class seats? I can get a 100% transfer bonus from Bilt to Virgin Atlantic and I'm seeing a lot of SFO->TYO T-14 award seats on United and verified with the ANA website. I'm thinking of transferring the points now, booking a refundable flight in November, and then I'll try to find 2x seats (preferably both business) close to November when they start releasing multiple business award seats on the same flight. Is this a bad idea? Worst case we wouldn't mind not being able to find flights and use the Virgin Atlantic miles for something else

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

It’s hard for me to give you a firm answer. I’m actually considering speculatively transferring to either Virgin or Flying Blue myself since I would get a 150% bonus. On the negative side, it’s really tough to know if the availability patterns will continue and if the points will be devalued while you wait. But on the positive side, it’s such an incredible bonus! If you are pretty sure you can use the points for something else if Japan doesn’t work out, then I think I would take the risk if I were in your position. But it is still a risk, so it’s not a clear cut decision. Let me know how it goes! 😁

@darianabdullah 6 месяцев назад

@@MelsMilesandPoints Thanks for your input! I am a bit worried about devaluation but I think I'll go ahead with it because 100% is such a good bonus. Congrats on qualifying for the 150% bonus, that's such a good promotion! Also thank you for the amazing video, I liked and subbed :D

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

Best of luck!! Hope it all works out! 🤞🏼

@darianabdullah 6 месяцев назад

@@MelsMilesandPoints Thank you! Sorry but for a quick follow up is there a way to show first class availability on United's website? I only see Economy, Premium Economy, and Business despite selecting "First". Or if they don't offer first class out of SFO is there any way to search for Economy award seats? I'm ideally going for 2x Business seats but I'm also happy with 1 business 1 economy or first

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

First Class should show up if it’s available. You might not be seeing it because they definitely release fewer First Class Award seats than any other type (usually only one per flight and it gets snatched up quickly). Economy should be much easier to find than Business or First though! Follow the instructions in the video but limit your search to Economy instead of Business. Hope this helps!😊

@aaronz6386 5 месяцев назад

Why don’t you book it through ana directly though? Is there any points difference

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 месяцев назад

The biggest problem with booking through ANA is that you have to book round trip, and that makes it even more difficult to find availability. It’s easier to find space as soon as it’s released, so if you’re forced to buy both flights at the same time, by the time the return flight space is released, the outgoing flights are already gone.

@aaronz6386 5 месяцев назад

@@MelsMilesandPoints thanks Mel! They did make it very difficult for us

@nobodynobody1235 4 месяца назад

Transfer bonus never show up in capital one

@MelsMilesandPoints 4 месяца назад

They don't always feature bonuses, but when they are running a bonus, it will show up where you choose which partner to transfer to. Hope this helps :)

@thienngo147 2 месяца назад

is this 47k point +$280 for 1 way or round trip?

@MelsMilesandPoints 2 месяца назад

Yes, one way 😁

@haven3179 5 дней назад

I saw award flights available through ANA website that were not waitlisted. However, when I called Virgin to book, they said ANA rejected the booking. Any advice on that?

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 дней назад

Assuming the flight you saw hasn’t been purchased (you still see it as available on ANA right?), the problem could possibly be a date issue. How far out is the flight? ANA releases seats on their own website 355 days out, while Virgin releases seats 331 days out. Assuming it’s within 331 days, then I’m not sure what the issue is. I would call again if that’s the case. You might end up having better luck with the next agent, or at least getting more information. Good luck and let me know what happens! :)

@haven3179 5 дней назад

@@MelsMilesandPoints Hi Mel, I’ve been looking at within the week from SFO. There’s a few availabilities showing on both United and ANA. The agent I spoke with at Virgin will “send” the request to ANA but it comes back rejected. We tried multiple dates that were showing as available on ANA, and all came back rejected

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 дней назад

@@haven3179 I’m not sure what’s going on then. I hope it’s a glitch and not a permanent change. These airlines can be so unpredictable in terms of sharing award availability - it’s the most difficult part of this hobby I think. Have you tried Air Canada because they require fewer points than United and take most of the flexible rewards points? Also, if you only tried with one agent at Virgin, it might be worth trying your luck with a second agent. Wish I could offer an immediate solution!

@haven3179 5 дней назад

@@MelsMilesandPoints thank you! I did the Air Canada, but ANA is not showing on their website and their call center says they haven’t been able to see ANA flights for months now 🤷‍♂️. This was just a tester with Virgin to see if it would be bookable. I just wasn’t sure if I was looking at anything wrong.

@MelsMilesandPoints 5 дней назад

@@haven3179 that’s sad news then! 😭 But things are constantly changing in this hobby, so let’s hope ANA starts sharing more space again soon 🤞🏼

@stevenyanagi5718 6 месяцев назад

Can you book direct with ANA?

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

You can book direct, but they only allow roundtrip, so the problem is that by the time you wait for your return flight to become available, flights for your departure date are likely to be gone. It's not impossible, but it's pretty difficult to be honest. I didn't cover it in the video because I think it's just not worth the hassle when there are easier options.

@TheAndyzilla 6 месяцев назад

Ive been trying to look for flights through JFK and neither close in or almost year out show up 😢

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

I have a couple of suggestions that might help. First, there's often better ANA availability from Chicago and Houston, so you might want to consider repositioning flights to broaden your search. Second, if you don't mind flying another airline to Japan, I see close-in availability from JFK to Tokyo on both American and United. I know the flight experience doesn't compare, but it would at least get you to Japan. For example, on AA, I see JFK-DFW-NRT on 12/29/23 for 60,000 points plus $11.20 in taxes and fees. Hope this helps!

@TheAndyzilla 6 месяцев назад

@@MelsMilesandPoints Thank you! I want to keep trying with ANA of how many good things ive heard of it, and want to make my first time in japan the best experience i can. I was narrowing down too much for 'the room' but from what i see a lot of things are waitlisted for now on ANA 😅

@MelsMilesandPoints 6 месяцев назад

I understand wanting ANA. The journey is almost as important as the destination to me too 😅 Hang in there and keep repositioning flights in mind as an option. If you departed Chicago, you'd get to check out the Polaris Lounge which is really nice 😊