How to Use Points to Book First and Business Class Flights
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Flying in first or business class can feel like an unattainable luxury, but with the right strategies, you can use credit card points to experience premium cabins without breaking the bank. Here’s how to maximize your points for unforgettable first and business class flights.
1. Earn Transferable Points
The easiest way to book first or business class flights is by earning transferable points. These points can be transferred to a variety of airline loyalty programs, giving you flexibility and access to premium award flights.
For example, one card allows you to earn 3x points on travel and offers 1:1 transfers to over a dozen airline partners, including major international carriers. Another card earns 2x points on all purchases and provides generous sign-up bonuses of up to 80,000 points.
2. Focus on Airline Sweet Spots
Certain airline loyalty programs offer incredible value for first and business class redemptions. Here are a few examples:
• Asia to Europe: Use 75,000 points to fly in first class on a partner airline known for its luxury cabins.
• U.S. to the Middle East: Redeem 85,000 points for a one-way business class flight on an airline with lie-flat seats and onboard showers.
• U.S. to Japan: Book business class for just 60,000 points with a top-tier Asian carrier.
By transferring your credit card points to these programs, you can unlock incredible travel experiences.
3. Book During Promotions
Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses, where you can earn 10%-30% more miles when transferring points to certain airlines. These promotions can help you book premium cabins for fewer points.
For instance, during a recent promotion, transferring points to a European airline gave a 30% bonus, reducing the effective cost of a first-class flight by thousands of points.
4. Utilize Stopovers and Open-Jaw Tickets
Many airlines allow free stopovers or open-jaw tickets on award flights. This lets you explore multiple destinations on a single ticket without using extra points.
Example: Fly first class from New York to Tokyo with a stopover in Honolulu, maximizing the value of your points and adding an extra destination to your trip.
5. Book Through Airline Partners
Some airline loyalty programs offer better redemption rates when booking flights operated by their partners. For example, instead of booking directly through an airline’s program, you might find a business class flight for fewer points by using a partner program.
Example: You can book a flight on a top Gulf carrier using points from a U.S.-based airline partner, saving thousands of points compared to booking directly.
6. Be Flexible with Dates and Routes
Premium cabin award availability is often limited, so flexibility is key. Use tools like ExpertFlyer or your credit card’s travel portal to search for available flights. Consider alternate routes or nearby airports to increase your chances of finding the perfect redemption.
7. Take Advantage of Credit Card Perks
Some credit cards offer additional perks that enhance your premium travel experience, like airport lounge access, travel credits, or even free upgrades. For example, one card reimburses up to $300 in travel expenses annually, which can help offset taxes and fees on award tickets.
Conclusion
Flying first or business class doesn’t have to be out of reach. By earning transferable points, taking advantage of airline sweet spots, and being flexible with your travel plans, you can enjoy premium cabin experiences at a fraction of the cost. Start planning today and turn your points into unforgettable travel moments.
Points Pathfinder has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Points Pathfinder and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
