For JAL flight awards issued from Oct. 1, 2012, new rules will be implemented for awards with itineraries including JAL and one other partner. Specifically, there will now be a consolidated award chart for these awards. In the past, the mileage redemption amounts varied by airline partner. These awards will now be calculated on a Total Sector Mileage (TPM) basis or actual distance flown and this will determine the redemption amounts for the awards. One-way awards will no longer be offered for any of the partner airlines, but up to six flight sectors are allowed with most carriers as well as open jaw flights and two stopovers. Oneworld award tickets with a combination of two or more member airlines will not be changing. For full information on the changes, visit http://insideflyerus.wpengine.com/link/?7008

Bottom line: Some award options have now become more attractive while others will require members to spend more miles. As the Wandering Aramean on BoardingArea.com mentions, “There are definitely some sweet spots on that chart, such as New York City-London on British Airways or American Airlines for 63,000 points in business class.” But JAL Mileage Bank members should move fast on any award set to increase in October.