Japan Airlines and ANA boost Australian services

Oneworld partner Japan Airlines will continue flying the Boeing 777 between Tokyo and Sydney for a further five months, paving the way for another mammoth release of First Class reward seats.

Separately, ANA has confirmed a seasonal return to Perth from 28 October 2024 to 29 March 2025. While the airline was initially targeting daily flights, the schedule remains pegged at three flights a week like the previous season.

With tickets now on sale, Velocity Frequent Flyer members can book ANA’s non-stop flights between Perth and Tokyo in Economy and Business Class.

Japan Airlines Boeing 777 First Class seat release

The airline has updated its schedule, swapping the Boeing 787 for the Boeing 777 until the end of March 2025. New First Class reward seats have already been available to book since 24 April—Point Hacks seat alerts subscribers were notified that same morning.

But if you missed the initial wave of bookings, don’t fret. There are still many more dates with availability. While you’re here, make sure to sign up for our seat alerts newsletter so you’ll be in the loop for future reward seat releases.

First Class reward seats from Sydney to Tokyo cost 129,300 Qantas Points + $451 one-way, per person. Eagle-eyed readers might realise that the fees and charges are significantly higher. Unfortunately, Japan Airlines increased the carrier charges on Australian flights at the start of April 2024.

At release, most dates between November 2024 and March 2025 had two seats available. Now that av few days have passed, availability is slimmer, but not considerably so.

If you’re transferring points from American Express or other bank partners, you may wish to send them to Cathay Asia Miles instead. The same redemption costs 100,000 Asia Miles + HKD2,274, one-way and per person.

For a quick look at what dates still have seats available, consult the Qantas multi-city tool. You should easily see the remaining dates with First Class seats available by ticking only the First Class ribbon.

What’s it like onboard JAL First Class?

I’ve previously reviewed Japan Airlines First Class from Tokyo to London and found it to be an excellent experience. Despite the older seat design, you won’t be lacking in comfort. And the food… well, let’s just say you should check out the full review for all the tantalising details.

Departing from Sydney, you’ll have access to the Qantas International First Lounge for breakfast. If you book JAL First Class on your way home, the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge awaits.

First course: ‘season five-colour’ delicacies with a strong seafood focus.

I particularly loved the rich truffle scallops (fifth dish).

Caviar, scallop and lotus root from the Western menu.

ANA Boeing 787 Perth route seat release

Now’s your chance to secure the limited reward seats on ANA’s returning Perth-Tokyo route. The airline typically releases reward seats from 14 days before departure, so it’s quite rare to be able to book this far in advance.

ANA will fly from Tokyo to Perth on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving in the evening. The return flights take off the same night and land in Tokyo the following morning.

• Economy reward: 42,000 Velocity Points + fees and taxes
• Business reward: 78,000 Velocity Points + fees and taxes

With Business Class costing less than double the price of Economy, this is a good redemption to aim for. At this stage, we are seeing one Business and two Economy reward seats per flight.

What’s it like onboard ANA Business Class?

I’ve also previously had the pleasure of reviewing ANA Business Class, and it is an excellent experience. While the Boeing 787 Business Class seats aren’t cutting-edge, they still offer direct-aisle access and a fully flat bed.

ANA’s Japanese-style dining is tasty and worth picking if you’re generally a fan of Japanese cuisine.

My entrée course already has me eager for more.

A delicious main course of braised beef and grilled fish.

When a nap beckons, the seat transforms into a convincing bed.

A glass of sake goes down very well. I love the earthy sweetness of it.

One of the many snacks: the plant-based cutlet rice bowl.