As we pointed out in last month’s issue (page 1), award chart discrepancies can be a delight. For you, that means a chance for free upgrades or award travel at reduced rates—even more so on domestic flights.
Among the BestWays to Play the Award ChartGame
Booking through Qatar’s Privilege Club, a flight distance award program, only requires 25,000 miles on routes such as Denver-Chicago and Chicago-Washington for Business Class on a three-class aircraft. United charges the same in coach.For mileage award savings to Hawaii, look to South African Airways’ Voyager mileage program. United charges 80,000 miles for Business Class and 100,000 for First Class. Via United’s Star Alliance partner South African Airways, a three cabin Business Class ticket costs 50,000 miles and First Class 70,000, 30,000 miles less than what United charges.
Japan Airlines’ JAL Mileage Bank will net you Business Class on a three-cabin route such as LAX to JFK for 40,000 miles, 10,000 miles less then what American charges its own members; the same 40,000 miles will get you First Class on two-cabin routes.
Using Our Chart: Almost Anyone Can Play
You can use, for example, Starwood’s Starpoints to book a flight through Qatar’s program. Remember, transferring Starpoints to miles nets a 5,000-mile bonus for every 20,000 miles transferred. To get to Hawaii on United, note that South African Airways partners with Diners Club. Among others mentioned, Japan Airlines partners with Starwood, Alitalia with Amex Rewards (you can buy Amex Rewards points for only 2.5¢ each) and Starwood, and Scandinavian Airlines with Diners Club.[table_opt style="gray-header" id="1487 " width="" alignment="center" responsive="all" heading="thcenter" rows="tdcenter"]