Marriott Bonvoy and Japan Airlines Launch Major Strategic Partnership
Marriott Bonvoy and Japan Airlines (JAL) Mileage Bank have officially launched a deep strategic partnership. Expanding on their existing points-to-miles transfer program, this new collaboration introduces reciprocal status matching, annual point bonuses, and accelerated elite tier challenges.
The alliance marks a milestone for both brands: it is JAL's first comprehensive partnership with a global hotel group and Marriott's first of this scale with a Japanese carrier.
Benefits for Marriott Bonvoy Members: Free JAL Points Every Year
If you hold elite status with Marriott Bonvoy, you can now receive free JAL FLY ON Points (FOP)—the qualifying points used to earn JAL elite status, just by simply linking your accounts.
The points are deposited annually as long as your accounts remain connected, providing a helpful head start toward earning JAL status.
Marriot Bonvoy Elite Status | Annual JAL FLY ON Points Awarded |
|---|---|
Member (No elite Tier) | 2,000 FLY ON Points |
Silver Elite | 5,000 FLY ON Points |
Gold Elite | 10,000 FLY ON Points |
Platinum Elite | 20,000 FLY ON Points |
Titanium Elite | 30,000 FLY ON Points |
Ambassador Elite | 40,000 FLY ON Points |
Pro Tip: Accumulated FLY ON Points allow you to reach JAL Crystal status (at 30,000 FOP) or higher. For example, a Marriott Ambassador Elite member receives 40,000 FLY ON Points automatically, leaving them just 10,000 points shy of JAL Sapphire status.
Benefits for JAL Mileage Bank Members: Status Matches and Challenges
If you hold JAL status, linking your accounts unlocks automatic Marriott elite tiers, along with accelerated fast-track opportunities to hit higher hotel status.
Reciprocal Status Tiers and Fast Tracks
- JMB Sapphire & JGC Sapphire: Receive complimentary Marriott Silver Elite status. You can fast-track to Marriott Gold Elite status by staying 10 eligible nights within the first 6 months of linking accounts.
- JGC Premier, JMB Diamond, & JMB Diamond Metal: Receive complimentary Marriott Gold Elite status.
- The Platinum Fast Track (Diamond Tiers only): JMB Diamond and Diamond Metal members can accelerate directly to Marriott Platinum Elite status in their first year of registration by staying just 10 eligible nights within 6 months.
If you plan to redeem those newly acquired JAL miles for premium flights, the Roame Guide to Booking Japan Airlines First and Business Class covers exact route maps, scheduling tricks, and partner sweet spots.
Annual Marriott Bonvoy Point Bonuses
JAL's top-tier flyers can also earn annual point bonuses by meeting a stay threshold at Marriott properties within the first six months of linking accounts:
- JGC Premier: Earn 10,000 bonus Marriott points after staying 16 eligible nights.
- JMB Diamond & Diamond Metal: Earn 15,000 bonus Marriott points after staying 16 eligible nights.
What About JAL Global Club (JGC) Lifetime Members?
A common question for JAL frequent flyers is how JAL Global Club (JGC) lifetime status is treated. Because JGC members maintain a lifetime equivalent of JMB Sapphire status, JGC Sapphire members will automatically receive Marriott Silver Elite status upon linking their accounts—even in years when they do not fly a single flight.
How to Link Your Accounts
The status matches and annual point bonuses do not apply automatically. To start receiving your reciprocal benefits, you must visit the official partner portal, sign in, and manually connect your accounts:
- Marriott Portal: Marriott Bonvoy JAL Partner Page
- JAL Portal: JAL Mileage Bank Marriott Status Match
Elite status matches and FLY ON Points will be credited to your respective accounts within six weeks of linking.
