What is JGC?
It may be becoming more widely known these days as some people are introducing it on social media and blogs, but I’ll explain it here just in case.
This is an excerpt from JAL’s official website.
50 times in a year?! You’re probably thinking, “Do people really fly that much??” (laughs)
Anyway, I don’t think many people in their everyday lives would reach that number.
That brings us to the next mystery: FLY ON Points.
I knew that miles could be used for discounts, but these FLY ON Points have always been a mystery to me, even though I live on a remote island and fly frequently.
What exactly are FLY ON Points?
Simply put, these points are what lead to JAL status.
So, how much flying would it take to earn 50,000 FLY ON Points?
I did the math on JAL’s official website.
Using domestic travel as an example, let’s say you’re flying from Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) to Okinawa (Naha).
Since I don’t think most people would fly using a standard fare, I calculated it using the lowest-priced “Early Bird” fare.
So, the result is…
1,476 FLY ON points…
That means even a round trip would only earn 2,952 FLY ON Points.
You’d have to take 17 trips to Okinawa to reach that goal…
I don’t think that’s realistic. lol
To become a JGC member, it’s best to rack up flight counts
If earning FLY ON Points is out of the question, the only other option is to fly 50 times.
However, this strategy of accumulating flights is actually quite efficient.
It’s counted purely based on the number of times you fly JAL, regardless of distance or fare.
That’s why many “JGC pilgrims” seem to make good use of routes like Miyako–Okinawa and Miyako–Ishigaki, which have a decent number of flights, relatively short travel times, and reasonable fares.
And as luck would have it (?), my family lives on Miyako Island, while I’m stationed alone on the main island of Okinawa.
It’s a situation that JGC “pilgrims” might envy (?).
I have no choice but to fly these routes.
Well, actually, I’m just going back for a regular weekend visit…
So, I’m going to share the number of JAL flights I took and the total amount I spent from the end of March—when I started my solo assignment—through December.
Amount Spent and Frequency Until Reaching JGC Status
First up is the amount—which I’m sure everyone’s curious about.
Since my workplace tends to have a predictable annual schedule, I was able to book a number of flights in advance using early-bird fares. So, in terms of cost, I think I got some of the lowest fares available for weekends and long holidays.
I calculated the total by reviewing my statements.
Total: 425,663 yen!
After doing the math, I just think it’s a total waste, lol.
I could’ve bought stocks with that money… or gone on a family trip…
Well, I guess it can’t be helped!
Next up is how often I flew.
For eight months, I was on a plane almost every week… The people who do this as part of their “training” are amazing…
I really regret having to fly ANA for work. If only it had been JAL… ( ；∀；)
To become a JGC member, you must first become a Sapphire member
Now, this is a bit complicated, but to become a JGC member, you first have to become a Sapphire member.
JAL has four status tiers: Crystal, Sapphire, Premier, and Diamond.
30 flights for Crystal
50 flights for Sapphire
80 flights for Premier
120 flights earns you Diamond status.
However, this status isn’t permanent—you have to keep flying that many times to maintain it.
For most people, that’s not realistic. lol
That’s where JGC comes in.
The JAL official website states the following:
It’s automatically renewed as long as you have a JAL Card!
That’s why JGC offers better value than JAL status.
However, you’ll need JAL status to start with.
Once you achieve Sapphire status (50 flights), as mentioned earlier,
you’ll receive a JGC membership application form.
I first received a Crystal Card (30 flights)
followed by a Sapphire Card (50 flights)
in that order.
By the way, once you reach 50 flights and your JAL My Page status changes to Sapphire, you’ll also be able to register for JGC online.
About two weeks after you apply, you’ll receive your JAL Card featuring the JGC logo.
What You Can Do with JGC
The benefits of JGC are listed on the official JAL website as follows.
Among these, the points I’m personally most excited about are
① Check-in at dedicated counters
② Priority access through security lanes
③ Access to the Sakura Lounge
④ Bonus miles
These are the four points.
There are other perks, like priority boarding and priority baggage delivery, but since I don’t do well in enclosed spaces, I’m usually the last one to board, and since I’m just heading home, I often fly empty-handed.
I don’t really take full advantage of them at all, haha.
One thing I’m actually really happy about is point ②: priority access to the security lane.
On Fridays after work, when I head to the airport to catch the very last flight, if the security lanes are crowded, that alone makes me panic.
It’s such a relief to have that sense of anxiety eased.
And then there’s the Sakura Lounge (No. 3).
Personally, I think a Gold Card lounge is plenty, but since they aren’t always located past the security checkpoint at some airports, I really appreciate the Sakura Lounge being inside the gate area.
It’s a little frustrating when I make it through security only to find out my flight has been delayed. I’m such a small-time guy (´；ω；`) Ugh…
I probably wouldn’t have gotten JGC status if I weren’t on a solo business assignment, but since I’ve been given this opportunity, I plan to make the most of it until the program is discontinued.
