The Complete Points & Miles Breakdown of our Japan Trip 2024
How to book a 2024 Japan trip using Points & Miles.
Scott Kobayashi • June 5, 2024
Our originally projected expense for our Japan journey totaled $16,357.34. However, we managed to cover the entire cost using points and miles, with just a $408 expenditure on taxes. Intrigued? Allow me to unravel the process in three phases:
Flight from Honolulu (HNL) to Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Accommodation at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Return flight from Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Honolulu (HNL)
I'll dive into both our point redemption strategy and the methods we employed to accumulate these points at an accelerated pace."
1. Flying Business Class on Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu, Hawaii to Narita, Japan - 65,000 Hawaiian Miles + 52,500 American Airlines Miles
Hawaiian Airlines Business class product to Japan
On our first flight, we booked two business class tickets on Hawaiian Airlines (H821) from Honolulu to Narita, Japan. This flight was on Hawaiian’s A330 aircraft and left Honolulu at 12:40pm on May 20 and arrived in Narita at 4:00pm on May 21st.
I booked my ticket using 52,500 American Airlines miles to book a Hawaiian Airlines award flight through my American American account. You can use America Airlines miles to book Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines flights when available. Those flight awards are hard to come by these days, but I was able to find one on the dates I was looking at.
The only way to earn these miles from credit cards is by applying for Citi American Airlines branded credit cards that earn American Airlines Miles.
Hawaiian Airlines Business class flight for 52,500 AA Miles.
For my wife, I transferred 65,000 BILT Rewards points to her Hawaiian airlines account to book her business class ticket for 65,000 Hawaiian miles which are 50% the regular price of 130,000 Hawaiian miles.
At the time of booking, a one-way business class ticket on Hawaiian Airlines costed $2439.15. Discovering dates with a 50% discount for business class flights on Hawaiian Airlines equates to a redemption value of 2.8 cents per Hawaiian mile, which is exceptionally favorable! I regularly share these 50% off deals on my Instagram page @thecredithacker.
2. A 4 Night Stay at the The Prince Park Tower Tokyo - 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points
ザ・プリンス パークタワー東京 4 Chome-8-1 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-8563, Japan
Our view from our room on floor 31
Our stay at this luxurious 5-star hotel marked the most significant expense of our entire trip. I had meticulously researched this property months in advance, and it was a must-stay for me. Without a doubt, it ranks as my favorite hotel experience to date. Room prices are decent, but I paid for a special room with a tower view and Premium club floor access.
Japanese Style breakfast at SHIBAZAKURA
Some extra perks that came with our stay were:
Access to the Premium Club, floor 32 which had appetizers, snacks and drinks all throughout the day
Daily Breakfast credit ($38 USD each)
Access to private driver for one drive a day up to 10km from the hotel (only if you stay at least 3 nights)
Free Access to the Hotel Onsen, Spa, & Gym
24/7 Concierge service for floors 29-31 (premium club floors)
I paid a total of 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points through Chase’s Travel portal. I currently hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve card so I get a 50% bonus value on my points when I redeem through the portal. The costs of our hotel stay would have been $2,203.04.
3. Flying Business Class on All Nippon Airways (ANA) from Haneda, Japan to Honolulu, Hawaii - 70,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
As of 23rd May 2024, VIRGIN has raised prices to 75,000 miles round trip, it previously was 70,000 miles.
I was eagerly anticipating this flight, primarily because we secured business class seats for just 35,000 points each, but also because we could finally enjoy some much-needed rest on lie-flat seats as we headed back home to Honolulu.
Securing these seats wasn't simple, as most award seats had already been claimed. However, ANA releases four seats daily, ten days prior to departure. Admittedly, it's a risky endeavor, but the payoff is substantial considering the retail cost of each seat exceeded $4,000! Utilizing Seats.aero, I managed to locate two business class seats for May 25th. Having already transferred my Chase points to Virgin Airlines miles, I promptly used them to book the ANA seats. For a step-by-step guide on using Chase points to book ANA flights through Virgin Atlantic, check out "HOW TO FLY TO JAPAN."
After confirming the availability of award seats, I immediately contacted Virgin Atlantic to secure our booking on May 16th, just nine days prior to departure. Throughout the year, I've closely monitored this flight on Seats.aero and observed that ANA typically releases 4 Business class seats every nine out of ten days leading up to departure. Hence, I estimate there's about a 90% chance of securing a seat. If you're apprehensive about the risk involved, I recommend:
Booking a refundable flight using cash. If award flights become available, simply cancel your cash booking and switch to the rewards flight.
Maintaining flexibility and ensuring you have a two-day window prior to departure to increase your chances of finding business class availability.
Leveraging Chase points to book a last-minute economy flight through the portal if business class seats don't open up on your preferred date.
High risk, High Reward! Retail value of each seat was $4,638.00 x 2 = $9,276.00, bring our cost per point to an astonishing 13.2 cents!
Final Costs Breakdown
Hawaiian Airlines Business class from HNL -> NRT
Dollar Cost Total: $4,878.30
What we paid in Points: 52,500 AA Miles + 65,000 HA Miles = 117,500 miles
Hotel stay at the The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Dollar Cost Total: $2,203.04.
What we paid in Points: 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points
All Nippon Airways Business class from HND -> HNL
Dollar Cost Total:$9,276.00
What we paid in Points: 70,000 Chase Ultimate Reward Points + $408 tax
Total cost of the trip = $16,357.34
We paid = 334,369 Points + Miles + $408 in taxes
Points Breakdown: 52,500 AA Miles + 65,000 HA miles + 216,869 Chase Points
*Want to earn 415,000 chase points in a year?
We have a 5-card strategy that we will walk you through to earn those points for a combined credit card annual fee of $190.
If you are interested, click here to learn more!
"Unlocking Value: The Top 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners for Maximum Benefits"
"Unlocking Value: 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners for Maximum Benefits"
One of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Reward points for travel is by transferring them to one of Chase's 14 Transfer Partners. If you're unsure how to transfer Chase points, check our how to guide here. Remember, you'll need a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred card to transfer points. Some transfer partners are better than others, so let's explore five of my favorites.
1. Hyatt: Optimal Hotel Redemption
When it comes to hotel redemptions, Hyatt is the shining star among Chase's transfer partners. With a 1:1 transfer ratio, your Chase points go a long way with Hyatt. What sets Hyatt apart is its fixed award chart, providing predictability and transparency in redemption rates. Whether it's an off-peak getaway or a peak season retreat, you'll always know how many points you need for your stay, ensuring excellent value for your Chase points.
12,000 Hyatt points per night at Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay
15,000 points for Hyatt House at Anaheim for hotels near Disneyland.
2. Iberia: Affordable Business Class Flights
Iberia offers some of the most affordable rates for international business class flights, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking luxury without breaking the bank. With just 34,000 points one way from the East Coast and Midwest to Madrid during off-peak periods, Iberia provides a full business class experience at an economy price. Add in frequent transfer bonuses, and you've got yourself a winning strategy for maximizing your Chase points.
17,000 Avios for Economy & 34,000 Avios for Business Class
3. British Airways: Access to OneWorld Alliance
While you can't transfer Chase points directly to American Airlines, you can transfer them to British Airways, a member of the OneWorld Alliance. This opens up opportunities to book flights with American Airlines and other OneWorld partners using British Airways Avios. With competitive redemption rates and access to a vast network of airlines, including Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines, British Airways offers flexibility and value for your Chase points.
Economy flights on Japan Airlines starting at 25,750 miles + fees from HNL to Nagoya, Japan.
4. Flying Blue: Flexible Redemption Options
Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France and KLM, offers flexibility and value for Chase Ultimate Reward Points. With competitive redemption rates for both economy and business class flights, Flying Blue is a versatile option for travelers. Take advantage of monthly promo rewards and occasional transfer bonuses to score excellent deals on award flights to Europe and beyond. With diligent search efforts, you can unlock hidden gems and maximize your travel experience.
Direct Business class seats from JFK - AMS (Amsterdam)
5. Aeroplan: Comprehensive Star Alliance Access
Aeroplan, the loyalty program for Air Canada, provides comprehensive access to the Star Alliance network, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking diverse redemption options. With a wide range of partner airlines, including United, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa, Aeroplan offers flexibility and convenience in booking award flights. Compare redemption rates and availability across different programs to make the most out of your Chase Ultimate Reward Points.
Direct United flights from HNL to SFO for 12,500 Aeroplan Points
Conclusion
Your Chase Ultimate Reward Points offer endless possibilities for unforgettable travel experiences. By leveraging transfer partners like Hyatt, Iberia, Flying Blue, British Airways, and Aeroplan, you can maximize the value of your points and unlock premium rewards. Whether you're dreaming of luxury hotel stays or business class flights, these strategies provide achievable and rewarding options for travelers of all kinds.
Unlocking Value: Amex Offers 30% Bonus on Transfers to Virgin Atlantic until May 31, 2024.
Unlocking Value: Amex Offers 30% Bonus on Transfers to Virgin Atlantic
American Express Membership Rewards has launched an enticing promotion, offering a 30% bonus on transfers to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. This offer is available starting on April 21 and extends through May 31, 2024.
Here are the key details:
Eligibility: To take advantage of this offer, you must be an eligible Membership Rewards® Card Member enrolled in Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
Minimum Transfer: The minimum transfer requirement is 1,000 Membership Rewards points.
Redemption Period: The exclusive offer is redeemable from 12:00 a.m. MT on April 21, 2024, to 11:59 p.m. MT on May 31, 2024.
Bonus Points: Enjoy an additional 30% Virgin Points added to your transfer at the time of completion.
Transfer Time: While transfers are generally immediate, please allow up to 72 hours for the points to reflect in your Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account.
Our Take:
Todd (@Hawaiiaward travel) redeeming his Virgin Atlantic Miles for ANA First Class “The Suite” from HNL to Narita.
This promotion presents a valuable opportunity for travelers who can find suitable award availability with Virgin Atlantic or its partner airlines. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club boasts several attractive redemption options, including the renowned Delta One to Europe for just 50,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points and ANA first class to Japan for just a little more, a considerable saving compared to Delta's SkyMiles pricing.
While Virgin Atlantic flights often entail high surcharges, particularly on their own flights, this offer can still make sense for individuals who would otherwise pay for a Virgin Atlantic flight. It's worth noting that surcharges tend to be more affordable when departing from certain foreign destinations.
In summary, with its 30% bonus offer, Amex provides a compelling incentive for card members to explore the possibilities within Virgin Atlantic Flying Club's redemption options.
Our Favortie American Express Cards:
The American Express Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys dining out and shopping for groceries. With 4 points per dollar on both dining purchases and U.S. supermarket spending, you'll quickly rack up rewards on everyday purchases.
Plus, new cardholders can take advantage of a generous welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
While the card does have an annual fee of $250, the benefits more than make up for it. Monthly dining credits and Uber Cash help offset the cost, making this card a great value for those who love to indulge in good food and earn rewards while doing so.
The American Express Platinum Card
The Platinum Card® is a top-tier luxury card with a $695 annual fee. But for that price, you get some incredible benefits. You'll earn 5 points per dollar when booking flights with airlines or through AmEx Travel (up to $500,000 annually) and on prepaid hotel reservations through AmEx Travel.
Plus, there's a hefty welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months. You'll also enjoy fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $500 in annual Uber credits, $200 in airline fee credits, $200 in credits for Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, $300 for Equinox, $240 for entertainment purchases, and $100 at Saks Fifth Avenue. You even get automatic Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott. Terms apply for enrollment and benefits.
The American Express Business Gold Card
The American Express® Business Gold Card is designed to match your spending patterns, making it a valuable option for many businesses. You'll earn 4x Membership Rewards points on two categories where you spend the most each month, with options like advertising, gas stations, and restaurants.
Plus, you'll get 3x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmEx Travel. Another standout feature is the 25% rebate on airline redemptions when using Pay With Points, potentially giving you a higher value per point compared to other cards. With a welcome offer worth up to $930 in value, this card is definitely worth considering for businesses looking to maximize their rewards. Terms apply.
3 Best Ways to Redeem Points in Hawaii
3 Easy Ways to Redeem Points in Hawaii
I was recently interviewed by Julia Menez from Geobreeze Travel to discuss credit and travel hacks to Hawaii. Click here to listen to the Podcast.
My Credit & Travel Hacking Journey
I was born and raised here in Hawaii and grew up around the travel business. My grandfather & father were in the travel business, both owning a travel booking service and tour bus company.
I started to travel and credit hack in early 2016 because I was eager to find a cheaper & more efficient way to travel, while still saving up for financial investments. So I got my first credit card, the Barclay Arrival+ card. The 80,000 points sign-up bonus is what attracted me to the card, but I later realized that after redeeming the points earned from the sign-up bonus, points were hard to earn afterward and that Barclay’s points weren’t valuable, each point only worth 1 cent.
Following this discovery, a friend turned me onto the Chase Trifecta, which is the trio of these 3 Chase credit cards the CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED, CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED, & the CHASE FREEDOM FLEX. With these three cards, I built a more sustainable model to earn points and my points are worth more when redeeming them through the Chase travel portal at 1.25-1.5 cents per point.
After mastering the Chase trifecta, I then opened a dozen more credit cards, using my own strategies as well as tips from other travel hackers, while still maintaining a credit score over 800. This is only a short summary of my journey, but I did want to share some deals with you all as a credit hacker and resident of Hawaii.
Look for these Deals when traveling to Hawaii
1.WEST COAST TO HAWAII UNDER $60 or 10,000 points on Southwest Airlines.
In March 2019, Southwest Airlines announced it would begin routes from the west coast to Hawaii. Prior to their arrival, Hawaiian airlines held the majority of the interisland travel and west coast travel, but Southwest Airlines has come in and taken the majority of those routes. Their cheap prices, customer service & unique boarding style have made it the preferred choice of travel to and from the islands.
On low travel seasons, direct flights can be purchased at under 10,000 southwest points. Not enough Southwest points? Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card for an extra 40,000 southwest points or transfer your points directly from your Chase account at a 1 to 1 transfer ratio.
2. INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL UNDER $30 or 2,000 Points on Southwest Airlines.
Along with the cheap west coast flights, Southwest started routes in between the islands of Hawaii. Those routes include flights between the Big Island (Hawaii), Maui, Kauai, & Oahu. Prices average between $39-59 (2500 - 5000 points) one way, but on occasion, prices have dropped below $29 (2,000 points ) during off-seasons. Do your research and look for these deals on inter-island flights.
3. LUXURY STAY at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort at 30,000 points a night.
Hyatt is regarded as the best hotel transfer with Chase, with The Points Guy valuing one Hyatt point at 1.7 cents (April 2021). This is an incredible redemption rate, but the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is part of the Hyatt Collection boasts an even higher value for your points at over 3 cents per Hyatt point. At the time of this article, booking a standard room costs $1097.00 per night. Hyatt’s category point system allows this Category 7 resort to be priced no more than 30,000 Hyatt points a night! If you do the math, that’s 3.65 cents per Hyatt point. To top this amazing deal off, Chase transfers points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Chase also has a co-branded Hyatt Visa credit card that you can get for a 60,000 point sign-up bonus, a free anniversary night, and other travel benefits.
Updated Nov 2023: As a Category 8 Hyatt, the Andaz Maui at Wailea will cost you 35,000-45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
There are many other travel deals when traveling to Hawaii, but these 3 will bring the most value to your points. If you would like to get started with your credit/travel journey, you can support our channel by applying for your cards HERE.
Can I get from International Terminal G to Terminal 3 at SFO without going through security?
Can I get from International Terminal G to Terminal 3 at SFO without going through security?
Airside connector between Terminal 3 & International Terminal G
I recently was on a trip to San Francisco, flying from HNL to SFO on Hawaiian airlines and trying to figure out If I could access Terminal 3 without going through security. Our flight attendants and check-in personal said we would have to re-clear security again and online blogs were vague, but we suspected otherwise. Terminal 3 has the American Express Centurion Lounge and 2 restaurants (San Francisco Giants Clubhouse, Yankee Pier) that Priority Pass members & their one other guest can receive $28 of dining credit each.
So can you access TERMINAL 3 from International TERMINAL G?
The answer is: YES, via the Airside Connector
Directions: Upon landing in International Terminal G, proceed toward the end of the terminal, walking along the left side. DO NOT go outside security or else you will have to re-clear security again, instead make a left and you will see the United Polaris Lounge.
Keep walking and you will eventually come to the Terminal 3 airside connector, a small enclosed walkway that connects both terminals. Continue walking through it and follow the signs that lead to Gate F and you eventually find gate F1 which is Terminal 3.
It’s important to not pass any “No Re-entry Signs” or else you will have to re-clear security again.
More info on SFO Terminals
There are 4 main terminal areas that you can commute to without having to go through security again. Those areas are:
International Terminal A (Gates A1-A12)
International Terminal G (Gates G91-G102) connects to Domestic Terminal 3 (Gates 60-90)
Domestic Terminal 1 (Gates 40-48) connects to Domestic Terminal 2 (Gates 50-59)
Domestic Terminal 1 (Gates 20-28)
Below is a list of Airlines operating from their terminals at SFO:
International Terminal A
AeroMexico
Avianca
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
China Airlines
China Eastern
China Southern
El Al
Emirates
Finnair
French Bee
Hawaiian Airlines
Iberia
Icelandair
Interjet
Japan Airlines
JetBlue
KLM
Korean Air
Level
Norwegian
Philippine Airlines
Qantas
Sun Country Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
WestJet
International Terminal G
Aer Lingus
Air Canada
Air China
Air France
Air India
Air New Zealand
Asiana Airlines
Copa Airlines
Eva Air
Fiji Airways
Lufthansa
SAS
Singapore Airlines
Swiss International Air Lines
TAP Air Portugal
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
Terminal 1
Delta Air Lines
Frontier Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Terminal 2
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Terminal 3
United Airlines
Before you plan your trip to SFO, make sure to map out the locations of the lounges you want to visit. The 2 restaurants give you a total of $56 dining credit to use. If you want to take full advantage of this, dine at one restaurant and order take out/have a drink at the other. If you are full, maximize your credit by ordering premium water bottles for your travels.