New routes, new seats, and aircraft changes can mean good to wide-open availability for a short time. Take advantage of the opportunities while they last.
This Month: Time to Burn Points (Amex or Starwood) or Miles (Air France or Cathay Pacific) Between the U.S., Asia, and Europe
New Aircraft Opportunity: Miami-Paris A380 from Dec. 1, 2014 through March 28, 2015.
Easy Connections From: Numerous airports in the South, Northeast and Midwest.
Fly Beyond Paris: To/from many European destinations at no extra cost. Johannesburg costs 80,000 miles more in Business Class. Explore destinations.
How to Nail It (Round-Trip):
Air France’s Flying Blue Miles: 125,000 for Business Class. Request award space online.
Amex Rewards and Citi ThankYou Points Transfer: 125,000 for Business Class.
Amex Rewards Points Purchase: Cost is 2.5¢ per point; get a Business Class ticket for $3,215 through the Buy Miles to Fly in Style strategy—which can otherwise cost as much as $8,189 with no advance-purchase or minimum-stay requirements.
Starwood Points Transfer: 100,000 for Business Class.
Survey of Award Availability on Air France’s A380 for Two Seats in Business Class: Miami-Paris
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Partner Opportunity With Alaska Miles: Right now Alaska Airlines is offering a buy miles bonus of up to 40%. Take advantage of it on Miami-Paris in Business Class and the costs comes to $2,688—versus a fare of up to $8,189.
New Route Opportunity: Boston-Hong Kong starts May 3, 2015.
Easy Connections From: Numerous airports in the eastern half of the U.S.
Fly Beyond Hong Kong: Shanghai costs 40,000 miles more and Taipei only 30,000 more. Explore numerous Cathay Pacific destinations beyond Hong Kong.
How to Nail It (Round-Trip):
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: 145,000 for Business; 220,000 for First Class. Request award space online.
Amex Rewards Points Transfer: 145,000 for Business Class, 220,000 for First.
Amex Rewards Points Purchase: Cost is 2.5¢ per point; get a Business Class ticket for $3,625 through the Buy Miles to Fly in Style strategy—which can otherwise cost up to $7,218.
Starwood Points Transfer to Asia Miles: 120,000 for Business, 180,000 for First Class.
Survey of Award Availability on Cathay Pacific: Boston-Hong Kong
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Partner Opportunity With American Miles: 110,000 in Business Class, 135,000 in First.
Even Better, Partner Opportunity With Alaska Miles: 100,000 in Business Class, 140,000 in First. Explore the destinations.
Best With Starwood Points-to-Alaska Miles: 80,000 in Business Class, 120,000 in First.
Buy Alaska Miles: A Cathay Pacific flight-redemption partner is offering an up to 40% buying-miles bonus, which brings Boston-Hong Kong in Business Class down to $2,097 (the cost of 100,000 miles) on a fare that otherwise costs $7,218.