On Aug. 14, United introduced lie-flat Business and First Class Suite seats on the San Francisco-Hong Kong route (flight 869), which continues on to Singapore (flight 895) using a newly configured B747 aircraft. The carrier was quick to say, however, “We cannot guarantee that every flight from SFO to Hong Kong will have the newly configured aircraft until the entire fleet is complete.”

Published Business and First Class fares for this flight are $6,000-$13,000. United is not a partner of any 2-for-1 programs, and it does not honor Amex rewards points. Still, you can beat the sticker price. Here’s how.

• In Hong Kong’s low seasons (now through Dec. 11; Feb. 1- March 30), buy an upgradeable coach fare at $1,562 and upgrade (60,000 miles required). Flights during Singapore’s low seasons (June 5-23; Sept. 5-Nov. 20) are even less, with the lowest upgradeable fare starting at $1,180 and the same mileage requirement to upgrade.
• Don’t have the miles? Get the United Mileage Plus Visa card and receive 25,000 miles after spending $250, and buy the other 35,000 miles directly from United for $1,164. That’s still a net savings of 56% off the Business Class ticket.
• Or, transfer 75,000 Starpoints into US Airways, a partner in the Star Alliance. With

the 25% transfer bonus, you net 90,000 miles, enough for a free Business Class award ticket to Hong Kong on United. Or transfer 100,000 (which yields 125,000 after bonus) and travel First Class.

• Brass Ring: Currently, on the Hong Kong route, United allows you to upgrade to First from the lowest Business Class fare (a $6,070 “D” fare). Add 60,000 miles and you’re in the front cabin, presumably sleeping like a baby on the new seat.