a bed with white sheets and pillows in an airplane
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A ha – we see you’re pursuing connoisseur status. There’s no doubt that business class has reached new heights, offering flat beds, lounges and refined dining – but first class is another level. Beds you’d pay for at home, vintage champagne and personalized service are just a mere few of the many highlights – so here’s how to experience first class using Amex points, just by transferring your points to one of these airline miles programs.

a seat in an airplane

Aeroplan

First Class You Can Book: Lufthansa, United, Asiana, Thai, ANA, Cathay Pacific.

Where: Worlwide

How Many Points: First Class between the U.S. and Europe is 70,000 points one way. All other destinations can be found here.

How To Book: Online. Simply search first class on any route here.

Virgin Atlantic

First Class You Can Book: ANA.

Where: Between Japan and Asia, Australia, U.S. or Europe in either direction.

How Many Points: First Class between Asia and the U.S. or Europe for 120,000 points round trip. These are exceptionally good rates. Everywhere else can be found here.

How To Book: Must find space using United.com and then call Virgin Atlantic to book.

a seat in an airplaneAsiaMiles

First Class You Can Book: JAL, British Airways, American, Cathay, Qantas.

Where: Worldwide

How Many Points: First Class between Asia and the U.S. or Europe for 105,000 points one way, or 180 round trip. All other rates can be found here.

How To Book: Online. Simply search first class on any route here. Calling may be required.

Emirates

First Class You Can Book: Emirates

Where: All Emirates Routes worldwide.

How Many Points: Many Emirates routes will run roughly 135,000 points round trip. Use the Emirates Award calculator to find out exactly how many points you’ll need.

How To Book: Online, right here.

a bed and chair in a planeSingapore Airlines

First Class You Can Book: Singapore, Lufthansa, Asiana, United, Thai, ANA.

Where: Worldwide

How Many Points: Suites Class from Europe to Singapore goes for 115,000 one way. All other Singapore Flights can be found here.  First Class between Europe and Dubai is just 70,000 points round trip for two more days on Lufthansa. All other Star Alliance flights can be found here.

How To Book: Online starting December 7th. Calling may be required before then.

Etihad

First Class You Can Book: Etihad

Where: All Etihad Routes worldwide.

How Many Points: Many Etihad First Class Apartment routes will run roughly 1117,000 points one way, such as New York to Abu Dhabi. Use the Etihad Award calculator to find out exactly how many points you’ll need.

How To Book: Online, right here.

Which first class seat would you like to fly?

 

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly...

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4 Comments

  1. You’re leaving out ANA. Amazing partner redemptions for biz, and reasonable for F (ex: 195K r/t from US to Africa in F)

  2. Gilbert – Can’t you use Amex to xfer into Iberia for F class? I’m thinking Qatar F on Iberia points from Amex or Chase..

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