How to book it for less than coach: Flying Blue, Air France and KLM’s mileage program, recently introduced dynamic pricing on award tickets, so redemption values are constantly in flux. Compare the rates to those with transfer partners American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest to find the best deal.
Caveats: Even though the “new” business-class cabin seats have been around for a while, they’re not yet universal. Avoid flights on Airbus A330s, A340s, and A380s, which aren’t up to date.
7. Singapore Airlines
Why you want to fly it: It’s famous for its standard-setting first-class cabins, but Singapore Airlines Ltd. is no slouch when it comes to business class, either. For those on some of the world’s longest flights—including its forthcoming 18-hour, 45-minute Newark-Singapore route—this means 28-inch-wide seats that recline into lie-flat beds and a menu of 60 entrée options.
How to book it for less than coach: Singapore’s own KrisFlyer mileage program is by far the easiest way to book business class awards on the airline—though partners such as United and Air Canada have lately been offering some availability. If you’re using KrisFlyer, you can transfer miles from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest; you’ll need roughly 90,000 miles each way from the U.S. to Singapore.
Caveats: You can “Waitlist” yourself for currently unavailable awards on the KrisFlyer site, but it’s a gamble; to take advantage of the feature, you have to transfer enough points into your KrisFlyer account to book a seat that’s by no means guaranteed. (The odds of getting off the waitlist, however, are better than you’d think.)
8. Etihad Studio
Why you want to fly it: Etihad Airways’ three-room Residences get all the attention, but the airline’s A380s and 787-9 Dreamliners also stand out for their “studios.” These generously appointed business-class seats all have direct access to the aisle, with rows that alternately face forward and backward. Highlights include 18-inch seatback screens, sculptural light fixtures, city-specific amenity kits, and dinner service on demand.
How to book it for less than coach: Transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, or Starwood Preferred Guest into Etihad Guest, then book for about 100,000-120,000 miles in each direction from the U.S. to Abu Dhabi. Redeeming via American Airlines AAdvantage can be more affordable but requires additional legwork; it costs 70,000 miles each way and is best booked by calling the company’s Australian help desk, which has a better track record at finding Etihad availability.
Caveats: Expect high taxes and fees on Etihad Guest award tickets—about $200 in each direction.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.