Great mileage promotions are like comets—eventually they come back through the galaxy. This year is no exception. From now through April, depending upon the carrier, there are two great opportunities to nail a Business Class ticket to Asia and Europe for about the same as most carriers charge for an economy class ticket; and a chance to get an upgrade to Premium Economy at 50% off. In each case, the miles required can be obtained fast and easy if you don’t have them.
Business Class to Europe:
Amex Membership Rewards and Starwood points-transfer partners Air France and KLM are offering Business Class to Europe for only 50,000 miles. You can get them by transferring just 40,000 Starpoints to the Flying Blue mileage program, which both airlines use. (The 10,000-point transfer bonus brings the total to 50,000.) Or buy 50,000 points from Amex Membership Rewards for only $1,250. Valid now through April 30, from Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Toronto, and Washington, DC to Europe. More Info:
Business Class to Asia:
Amex and Starpoints partner All Nippon Airways (ANA) is offering Business Class tickets to Tokyo for 70,000 to 75,000 miles (up to 44% off from what many other airlines charge), for travel April 1 through 27. You can get this one with 60,000 Starwood Starpoints (the amount that many carriers charge for coach) or by buying the miles from Amex Membership Rewards ($1,750 to $1,875). This is up to 60% off published Business Class fares and is tantamount to a free upgrade. Valid from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. More Info:
Premium Economy to Asia:
Through March 31, 2012, Starpoints partner Japan Airlines (JAL) is offering a round-trip upgrade to Premium Economy for only 20,000 miles. Get it with 20,000 Starwood Starpoints. Valid from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco to Tokyo. More Info: