Three great promotions are out there, one for summer (a transfer promotion), one for late summer (to the Caribbean), and one for next winter (to Europe and Asia) that will net you Business Class at times for the price of coach.
Business Class for the Price of Coach
Valid transfer dates: From now through Jul. 31, 2009.The Deal: Business Class for 50,000 miles to Europe, the same cost as economy class.
Getting It: During this promotional transfer period, US Airways will give Dividend Miles members a 50% bonus on hotel point transfers. For example: transfer 50,000 Starwood Starpoints to US Airways and receive a total of 85,000 miles, more than enough for a European Business Class ticket. The math: 50,000 Starwood Starpoints transfer plus 25,000 USAirways miles (50% bonus) plus 10,000 Starwood bonus Starpoints (5,000 bonus for every 20,000 transferred). US Airways is a partner of the Star Alliance, giving you access to 26 other airline partners such as Lufthansa, Singapore, and Virgin Atlantic just to name a few. And many other destinations at a great discount, like a domestic First Class ticket on United from San Francisco to New York for 30,000 Starwood Starpoints (United charges 70,000 miles). Just join the Dividend mileage program and register for the promotion and start transferring your Starwood Starpoints. More Information: US Airways Registration link
To the Caribbean or Canada on US Airways
Valid travel dates: Sep. 1 through Sep. 30, 2009.Gateways: All U.S. departure cities.
The Deal: A First Class ticket for 50,000 miles (usually 60,000 miles).
Getting It: Transfer 40,000 Starwood Starpoints or buy the miles for about $1,000 with US Airways.
More Information: US Airways award chart link US Airways Bonus Miles link
To Asia (Tokyo) on Japan Airlines
Valid travel dates: Dec. 1 through Feb. 28, 2010.Gateways: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Vancouver.
The Deal: Business Class for 50,000 miles from Honolulu (usually 60,000 miles) and 70,000 miles from the other U.S. departure cities (usually 80,000 miles).
Getting It: Transfer Starwood Starpoints to Japan Airlines: 40,000 Starpoints net 50,000 JAL miles and 60,000 Starpoints net 75,000 miles.
More Information: Japan Airlines award chart link