Reading Time: 3 minOne of my favorite ways to book business-class flights in the U.S. is through Asia Miles, the loyalty program of Cathay Pacific.
Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier for Hong Kong and a member of the Oneworld airline alliance, which means it partners with airlines such as American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and British Airways. And although it may be based in Asia, don’t be fooled. You can use your Cathay Pacific Asia Miles for all kinds of fantastic award redemptions, including some that are closer to home.
Here are three of my favorites.
Finding flights to Europe in business class can be an exercise in patience, especially if you need to travel on a specific date. Since it’s such high demand, odds usually aren’t great — especially if you’re flying with more than one person.
But British Airways is an exception to this; there’s generally very good award space to and from London. The only issue is that you’ll end up paying very high taxes and fees, even when booking with partners. We’re talking anywhere from $750 to $1,000 in fees, which is more than enough to put off most travelers.
That’s why Cathay Pacific is so handy. You can redeem just 63,000 Asia Miles for a business class flight and pay around $200-$300 in fees.
It’s marginally more expensive in miles (American Airlines will charge you 57,500 miles), but you’re saving hundreds of dollars instead. Worth it.
Did you know that American Airlines flies lie-flat business-class seats across the United States? It’s not available on every flight, but popular routes such as New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) feature these seats.
While American will charge you an arm and a leg for these flights, Cathay Pacific doesn’t. In fact, you’ll pay just 33,000 Asia Miles for these flights, which include access to American’s Flagship Business lounges.
Japan Airlines first class tickets are some of the most sought-after and difficult to find. With limited releases, these things go fast.
That’s why using Cathay Pacific Asia Miles comes in clutch. Not only are awards decently priced, Cathay Pacific opens up its award calendar before other airlines. American releases space 331 days in advance, while British Airways releases space 354 days in advance.
Cathay Pacific? 360 days in advance. That means you can snag these coveted seats well before anyone else.
Whether you’re trying to book your first flight or you’re a veteran award traveler, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles is an excellent program to use. Even if you’re low on points for redemptions, don’t worry; building up a stash is both simple and accessible to nearly everyone.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles are easy to earn thanks to their partnerships with American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou points, Bilt Rewards, and Rove Miles. Each of these programs transfer over at a 1:1 ratio, meaning one reward point becomes one Asia Mile.
That means you have access to hundreds of thousands of potential Cathay Pacific Asia Miles in the form of credit card sign-up bonuses, online shopping portal rewards, and travel bookings.
