If you're having trouble finding award availability, you'll want to learn how to set up an award alert: kzread.info/dash/bejne/qpyWmKWvlq3KirQ.html -if you're new to this, I like to recommend this app that is 100% free and does a good job introducing award travel, I still use this app to keep track of my credit card annual fees: my.travelfreely.com/share?bref=nup - If you're interested in any of these cards, please consider using one of my affiliate links unless you have friends/family that has a referral link, my links are here: travelfreely.com/best-offers-for-nurse-michael-travels/ - if you're wanting to learn another way to fly to Japan check this out: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aouZx8-Cc8aoj7g.html

Perfect timing! I'm looking to go to Japan with my family next summer, this and your other ANA video will come in handy. Thank you!

@NurseMichaelTravels

2 ай бұрын

If you’re going to Japan either (or both) of those airlines will get you there nicely!

Your videos are very detailed and straight forward. Japan is a beautiful country. We loved it!!

@NurseMichaelTravels

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! I’m hoping to get there myself next year

Well done. Very helpful.

@NurseMichaelTravels

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Happy to help

Thank you! Very helpful. I was trying to justify using a chase 5:24 slot for the alaska card because I always fly with them so I am most likely to use their points but not being able to choose and be more flexible was kind of making me want to pick a chase card. This kind of seals the deal for me though haha

@NurseMichaelTravels

Ай бұрын

@@DarthAndylus you’re welcome! It’s definitely counter-popular advice but I think an Airline card that will get you a bonus to make an aspirational trip happen is worth a 5/24 slot.

In just 3 weeks , even the last minute availability are over 150k points lol

@NurseMichaelTravels

2 ай бұрын

Availability does come and go fast! Especially this peak travel season with travel on everyone’s mind. I’d recommend trying to set an award alert if you’re set on booking with this airline (kzread.info/dash/bejne/qpyWmKWvlq3KirQ.html)

i don't see any flights operated by Japan airline at all. its' all AA or skywest

@NurseMichaelTravels

2 ай бұрын

Sadly you're pretty right, we're in the peak travel and booking season and seems like competition is highest than it ever has been before. Looking on Seats.Aero I'm only able to find some awkward availability like 3/24/25 ORD-EWR overnight stay and then JFK-HND in JAL business all in one itinerary. So the struggle is definitely real.

😂😂😂only last minutes availability

@NurseMichaelTravels

2 ай бұрын

There’s regularly small patches of business class that come and go, there’s a handful seats currently available in March of next year. You can use Sears Aero to quickly scan for them. Or booking economy and switching to business when it becomes available is also a solid strategy

@KennethTungol

2 ай бұрын

@@NurseMichaelTravelsdo you have a video of doing this? Or would you just have to cancel your economy flight and take the loss?

@NurseMichaelTravels

2 ай бұрын

@@KennethTungol Hi Kenneth, I summarize it somewhat at 6:19 in the video. But you can cancel award flights on American for free. So if you find business class availability last minute, You can go and put a hold on the award space (see 4:09 in the video for how). Then cancel your economy flight, wait for the points to hit your account and then book that business class flight you just put on hold. You don’t need to have the required points in your account in order to hold a flight. Let me know if that helps or if I need to clarify anything!

@KennethTungol

2 ай бұрын

@@NurseMichaelTravels thank you Michael for this. I personally don’t have any American Airlines points so I was wondering if you have insight on other airlines about if they have the same free cancellation option. I’m worried if I book an economy flight now and then later on I see a business class opening but it is for an entirely different airline that is not affiliated, would I just have to lose the points used for that economy flight in this case? Looking to book Japan in Dec

@NurseMichaelTravels

2 ай бұрын

@@KennethTungol you’re welcome! I don’t have much personal experience doing it. But there are ways to cancel award flights and get your points back. Most airlines will charge a fee to do so, the fees and rules can vary quite widely. I don’t have another good option to suggest like American, but here’s a link to an article that goes over the change/cancellation fees of various airlines: awardwallet.com/blog/airline-award-ticket-change-and-cancellation-policies/