u/ImpressBackground202

I’m planning a Japan trip in October 2027 (yes, next year) and want to start optimizing my points earning + transfer strategy now. I’ll likely book flights around March–April 2027.

Travelers:

• Me
• Wife
• 1.5 year old son (will need his own seat, not lap infant)

Cards / points I currently have:

• HSBC Premier India
• Axis Atlas
• Wife has Amex Platinum Travel

Current balances:

• Axis Atlas: ~13,500 EDGE Miles
• HSBC: ~13,000 points
• Amex: ~100,000 MR points
• Accor: ~100,600 ALL points

Because I already have a large Accor balance, I’m somewhat inclined toward moving future HSBC points to Accor, but I’m not sure if that’s the best move for Japan flight redemptions.

Goal:

• Direct Delhi ↔ Tokyo flight
• Prefer Premium Economy or Business
• Ideally with points for one-way or round trip
• Looking for best airline programs / transfer partners / sweet spots

Questions:

1. Which program should I focus on from now till 2027?
2. Is Air India Flying Returns/Maharaja Club worth targeting?
3. Better options via Avios / KrisFlyer / JAL / ANA?
4. Should I avoid transferring HSBC points to Accor and instead save for airline transfers?
5. Any realistic expectation on points needed for 2 adults + child in premium economy/business?

Would really appreciate guidance from people who actively do India → Japan award bookings 🙏

I’m planning a Japan trip in October 2027 (yes, next year) and want to start optimizing my points earning + transfer strategy now. I’ll likely book flights around March–April 2027.

Travelers:

• Me
• Wife
• 1.5 year old son (will need his own seat, not lap infant)

Cards / points I currently have:

• HSBC Premier India
• Axis Atlas
• Wife has Amex Platinum Travel

Current balances:

• Axis Atlas: ~13,500 EDGE Miles
• HSBC: ~13,000 points
• Amex: ~100,000 MR points
• Accor: ~100,600 ALL points

Because I already have a large Accor balance, I’m somewhat inclined toward moving future HSBC points to Accor, but I’m not sure if that’s the best move for Japan flight redemptions.

Goal:

• Direct Delhi ↔ Tokyo flight
• Prefer Premium Economy or Business
• Ideally with points for one-way or round trip
• Looking for best airline programs / transfer partners / sweet spots

Questions:

1. Which program should I focus on from now till 2027?
2. Is Air India Flying Returns/Maharaja Club worth targeting?
3. Better options via Avios / KrisFlyer / JAL / ANA / Air India?
4. Should I avoid transferring HSBC points to Accor and instead save for airline transfers?
5. Any realistic expectation on points needed for 2 adults + child in premium economy/business?

Would really appreciate guidance from people who actively do India → Japan award bookings 🙏