Okay, I admit this one was really a little crazy. Hah.

So Trip.com launched this enticing promotion in partnership with Japan Airlines which dished out Japan Mileage Bank (JMB) Sapphire status with just one return business class trip on selected routes, selected flights, valid for travels up to July 2024. This was covered by The Milelion in more details here.

I was super tempted as this was a chance to try a new airline, and JMB Sapphire would equate to OneWorld Sapphire status which includes Cathy, Qatar, Qantas, etc. Not sure how I decided I would fly them more in the coming months than SQ (perhaps when my Krisflyer Elite Gold expires in Jan 2025?), but anyways…

I found myself ticketed for a super whirlwind of 3days. Hah. The combination of wanting to save annual leave, not be bankrupt, and the fact that I was in Tokyo for 2 weeks not so long ago lead to a rather hectic itenary.

Leading up to this trip, I found myself reviewing the T&C of the fast track. I discovered that it says the Sapphire status will be issued in April 2024 and effective in Sept 2024 and started to wonder what that exactly means as I could see that my JMB status is still a regular member 2 weeks prior to the trip. Attempts to reach out to Trip.com’s CSO via email and live chat for clarifications were frustrating – I didn’t want to take the trip for nothing! Eventually I got a decent response via their IG messaging and they clarified that the status will only be upgraded after completion of the trip. Phew.

FLIGHTS

After much research, the cheapest option turned out to be ex-Manila. This meant I will have to buy a separate SIN-MNL cash ticket before hopping on to JAL’s Boeing 787-800 which offers the JAL SkySuite in a 2-2-2 configuration but direct aisle access.

But of course I forgot about checking if I needed to change terminals at Ninoy Aquino ….but that’s a problem for later.

But one day, I got a notification of an aircaft change and saw that both my sector has been swapped for a JAL Shell Flat Neo – BOO. But not that I had a choice so let’s see how this oldest business class config on the airline turns out!

HOTELS

I wouldn’t have alot of time on the ground this time and will have less than 24hrs in Haneda Airport so after much brain wrecking, I decided on the recently opened Villa Fontaine Grand located in the Terminal itself. With such a short turnaround time, the premium was worth paying for in exchange for comfort and convenience.

AIRPORT LOUNGES

As a business class passenger, I will be able to access the Sakura Lounge at both Ninoy Aquino and Haneda Airport – doesn’t seem there is much to be excited about but ah wells.

I later found out that Cathy Pacific has a lounge at Terminal 3 which is where I’ll be landing before transferring to Terminal 1 for my JAL flight so time permitting I may try to self-print a JAL boarding pass and attempt to smuggle myself inside if I can find my way around eg is it possible to access the departure area from the arrival side??

On my way back, I will also be able to visit the SilverKris Lounge at Ninpy Aqunio International Airport so not too bad a spot to rest before the last leg of this whirlwind trip

*************************************************************

Final Itenary:

• Singapore-Manila positioning flight – Economy (will skip reviewing this)
• Sakura Lounge, Ninoy Aquino International Airport
• JAL078 Manila-Haneda – Business
• Villa Fonatine Grand
• Sakura Lounge, Tokyo Haneda Airport
• JAL077 Haneda-Manila – Business
• SilverKris Lounge, Ninoy Aquino International Airport
• Manila-Singapore – Economy (will skip reviewing this)

I’m prob going to be super tired that weekend but surely fun (I hope)!

Let’s Go!