High Business and First Class fares to Asia can at times be reduced if you take advantage of the American Express International Companion Ticket Program. There are a few things to keep in mind, though.
• Always compare promotional Business Class fares to a 2-for-1 fare, as the former might cost less
• Only the paid ticket earns miles
• Both passengers must travel on the same itinerary
• The program is only offered from major U.S. gateways. Other cities would require a separate ticket to the gateway, for example: Right now two Business Class tickets from Las Vegas to Seoul are $6,066 (plus taxes and fees) on Air Canada (currently the lowest fare at $3,033 per/person). Via the companion program the cost can be as low as $4,438 (plus taxes and fees), a savings of $1,628.
• The following carriers participate on Asian routes: Air France, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Delta, and Japan Airlines.
Who offers the best 2-for-1 Business Class Fares to Asia: Japan Airlines (except to Japan) because the lowest single fare is the same as the paid fare for the Amex 2-for-1.
Who offers the best 2-for-1 First Class Fare: Asiana on most routes.
When to use the 2-for-1 program: When you miss the advance-purchase deadline or there are no promotional fares being offered.
When it does not pay to use a 2-for-1 program: On Cathay Pacific. On almost all the routes we checked it offers a lower promotional fare than the 2-for-1 fare. Asiana and China Airlines were about 50/50 for Business Class fares, underscoring our contention about the importance of checking Business Class fares before booking a 2-for-1. (We also recommend this for First Class on China Airlines if price is the driver.)
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