"I applied because another company's rates were lower, but my application was rejected during the screening process..."
"I changed my reservation without realizing it, and my reward points disappeared..."
Jalan's "Guaranteed Lowest Price" is a great promotion where the difference is refunded in points, but the eligibility criteria are actually quite strict. If you break even one rule, you won't receive a single point.
Hello! I’m Kazunari from Okibura, a couple who shares information about traveling in Okinawa.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide—for anyone who absolutely doesn’t want to lose out—on what to check before making a reservation and tips for a successful post-reservation application!
1. Check Before You Book! 3 Important Points to Keep in Mind
The race begins even before you book a hotel on Jalan. Reservations that do not meet the following conditions will be rejected immediately, even if you submit a request later.
(1) The payment amount must be “10,000 yen or more, including tax.”
The “final payment amount” after applying coupons or Jalan Points must be at least 10,000 yen (including tax) per reservation.
② Have you selected a plan that is not eligible?
Only domestic accommodation plans are eligible. The following plans are not eligible.
Jalan Pack (packages combining airfare or Shinkansen tickets with lodging)
Jalan Corporate Services
③ The comparison is limited to the “seven designated sites” only
Not all online booking sites are included. Only the following seven sites are included in the comparison.
*Prices exclusive to official websites and those listed on lesser-known comparison sites are excluded.
2. Common Mistakes When Applying! Common Pitfalls and Tips for Retroactive Applications
Here are some key points you should definitely keep in mind when filing a “retroactive claim” after you’ve completed your reservation and then find a cheaper deal on another website.
Tip #1: Apply immediately through the app “within 72 hours” of making your reservation
The application deadline is within 72 hours of completing your reservation. Also, the application form is available exclusively through the Jalan app (it cannot be accessed via a computer or the mobile browser version). Once you've made your reservation, be sure to open the app right away.
Tip #2: Check that the "Room Type, Meals, and Cancellation Policy" match exactly
The most common reason for rejection is a mismatch in the plan conditions. It’s easy to wonder, “Is it okay if the room is different?” but it’s an absolute requirement that the room type match exactly. Even the slightest difference in grade, view, or specifications will result in immediate rejection.
Please be sure to check against the booking confirmation screen of another company to confirm that the room type is exactly the same—down to the very last word—in terms of “room size, number of beds, view, and smoking policy.”
Tip #3: Don’t submit your application based on other companies’ prices “after member point discounts”
Prices that include “point discounts” or “member-exclusive discounts”—which are automatically applied when you log in to another company’s website—should not be included in the comparison. Please compare prices based on the standard rate (or the price after applying a publicly available coupon) that anyone can book.
Tip 4: When taking a screenshot as evidence, make sure to capture “only the plan information”—nothing more, nothing less.
Screenshots (up to 5) must clearly show the “hotel name, date and time, number of guests, room type, meals, payment method, and final total.” If the screenshot includes different room types or unrelated plans, it may be rejected on the grounds that “the subject cannot be identified.”
3. Don’t Let Your Guard Down Even After Your Application Is Approved! Pitfalls to Watch Out for Until Your Stay Is Complete
Don't let your guard down just because "your application has been approved."
4. There are endless ways to use your reward points! Take your next trip to Okinawa to the next level
Redeemed points are valid for six months from the end of the month in which they were credited. While using them to pay for your next hotel stay or car rental—and drastically cutting down on your travel expenses—is a classic approach, Okibura’s top recommendation is to use them for “Jalan Activities & Experiences” to treat yourself to a little luxury you might normally hesitate to indulge in!
For example, here's one way you can use it.
Keep these tips firmly in mind to make sure you earn those bonus points, and use the money you save to smartly enhance your Okinawa trip!
