Europe: Business Class for the Price of Coach
Air France
The Deal: Free Business Class upgrade to Europe via the airline’s promotional rate of 50,000 miles (discounted 50%)—what most airlines charge for a coach class ticket.Getting It: Transfer 40,000 Starwood Starpoints to Air France’s Flying Blue program. With the 10,000-point transfer bonus, you have the 50,000 miles. Or buy 50,000 points from Amex’s Membership Rewards ($1,250) and transfer them to Flying Blue.
Window of Opportunity and Gateways: Calgary, through Oct. 29; Montreal, through Jul. 29. Connections to Montreal start at $714 in First Class from New York. Calgary starts at $715 from Seattle. Other connections vary.
More Information: Air France Special Offer Link
Asia: Discount Upgrades
Japan Airlines
The Deal: 60% savings.Details: Upgrade to Business Class for as few as 20,000 miles round-trip, up to 40,000 miles fewer than what most major U.S. carriers charge.
Getting It: Transfer 20,000 Starwood Starpoints to Japan Airlines. Or purchase 20,000 Starpoints for only $700 and transfer them to Japan Airlines.
Sample Upgradeable Fares: As low as $1,400 round-trip (plus taxes) to Tokyo from New York.
Window of Opportunity: Now through Sept. 30.
Gateways: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Vancouver.
More Information: Japan Airlines Special Offer Link
All Nippon Airways
The Deal: Up to 50% savings.Details: Upgrade to Business Class for as few as 20,000 miles round-trip. Getting It: Transfer 20,000 Starwood Starpoints to All Nippon Airways. With the 5,000-point transfer bonus you have enough for a round-trip upgrade from San Francisco or Los Angeles to Tokyo. Or purchase 25,000 points from Amex’s Membership Rewards for only $625 and transfer to All Nippon.
Sample Upgradeable Fares: As low as $900 round-trip (plus taxes) to Tokyo from Los Angeles.
Window of Opportunity: Now through Sept. 30. Gateways: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC.
More Information: All Nippon Airlines Special Offer Link