Right now there are three great opportunities to nail a Business Class ticket: One each to Asia, Europe, and South America. In each case, the miles required, which you can get fast and easy, are about the same as most carriers charge for an economy class ticket.
Europe: Business Class for the Cost of Coach
Amex Membership Rewards and Starwood points-transfer partner Air France is offering Business Class tickets to Europe for only 50,000 miles—a 50% discount! You can get it by transferring just 40,000 Starwood points to Air France’s Flying Blue program, with the 10,000-point transfer bonus bringing the total to 50,000, or by buying 50,000 points from Amex (for only $1,250) and transferring them to Flying Blue. Valid now through Mar. 31, from Chicago and Montreal. More information: Air France Special Offer Link
South America: Business Class for the Cost of Coach
US Airways is giving away what amounts to a free Business Class upgrade from all of its U.S. gateways to Rio de Janiero, through a discounted mileage award, for just 60,000 miles—what Delta charges for a coach class ticket! Transfer 50,000 Starwood points to US Airways’ Dividend Miles program to get it, or buy 60,000 miles from the airline for just $1,500. With most fares starting at about $3,100, this is a fantastic deal, and anyone can play along. The special offer is valid for travel May 1 to 31 and Oct. 1 to 31. Business Class award availability is plentiful from the Charlotte gateway to Rio, in both directions, for both months. More information: US Airways Special Offer Link
Asia: Business Class for the Cost of Coach
Amex and Starwood partner All Nippon (ANA) is offering Business Class tickets to Tokyo for 70,000 to 75,000 miles (up to 42% less than what many other airlines charge) for travel through Mar. 5, and from Apr. 1 to Apr. 23. You can get this one with 60,000 Starwood points (the cost of a coach seat with many other carriers), or by buying the miles from Amex for just $1,750 to $1,875. This represents a free upgrade, or up to 60% off published Business Class fares, and is valid from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. More information: All Nippon Airlines Special Offer Link