Scoring Japan Airlines' New A350-1000 First Class: An Avios Win! 🎯

Greetings from the Philippines! Apologies for the radio silence lately – I've been enjoying some downtime here, though I can't quite stay away from aviation (currently watching planes battle the intense winds at El Nido airport from the beach!). But I couldn't wait to share what might be my best points redemption yet.

I've just managed to book Japan Airlines' brand new A350-1000 First Class from London to Tokyo for 123,750 Avios plus £410.92 in taxes and fees via British Airways. For perspective, the cash price for this ticket? A whopping £11,725!

Let's do some quick maths on this redemption value: £11,725 (cash price) - £410.92 (taxes/fees) = £11,314.08 value from Avios £11,314.08 ÷ 123,750 Avios = 9.14p per Avios

That's an incredible redemption value, far exceeding our typical target of 1-1.5p per Avios!

Here's where being in the Philippines actually worked in my favour – instead of staying up until midnight UK time, the booking window opened at a much more civilized 8am local time here. Sometimes timezone differences can work in your favour for these high-demand redemptions! I was still nervously refreshing British Airways' website as 8am approached, but at least I was well-caffeinated.

After securing seat 2A (strategically chosen for its privacy and distance from the facilities – you can check out the exact layout on Flight Seatmap), I also managed to book my very understanding girlfriend into business class for 92,750 Avios plus £410.92. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that First Class availability opens up for a second seat – though I might need to buy dinner for a while to make up for the class difference! 😅

This will be my first First Class experience, and I'm particularly excited about trying both JAL's latest product on their brand new A350-1000 and starting the journey right with Cathay Pacific's First Class lounge in Terminal 3 at London Heathrow.

Some Quick Tips for Similar Redemptions:

• Use timezone differences to your advantage when booking

• Have your Avios ready to go (our Avios Balance Booster Calculator can help you top up efficiently)

• Be flexible with dates if possible (I had to change mine a few times)

• Don't forget to check multiple routes (CDG to HND also now uses the new plane)

• Consider splitting the booking if travelling with a companion (as I did) when availability is tight

Speaking of being in the Philippines, I've been inadvertently plane spotting from my hotel next to El Nido airport. The winds have been absolutely intense, leading to multiple cancellations. It's been quite the aviation geek's paradise, even if not ideal for the affected passengers!

Who else is eyeing up JAL's new A350-1000 First Class? Let me know in the comments or drop me a message on Instagram. I'll be sure to post a full review of both the lounge and flight once I've experienced them!

Safe travels, Jack

P.S. For those looking to boost their Avios balance for similar redemptions, check out our latest credit card recommendations. The sign-up bonuses alone could get you well on your way to your own premium cabin adventure!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​