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If you've read anything about redeeming points and miles for travel, you'll undoubtedly be curious about maximizing your hard-earned rewards on the best travel possible. For many, that means flying in first-class international flight on a premium airline. I know I like to, as I've flown several of the products featured in this post!
However, not all first-class products are created equal. So, we wanted to put together a guide on how to book each of the best first-class airlines as a way toget your search started.
Here is how to book the best first-class flights in the sky with points and miles!
Page Contents
Why Should You Fly First Class — And Book With Points and Miles?
International first class is the upper echelon of air travel — unless you have a private jet. Ordinarily, first-class tickets have a price tag to match the luxury and privacy you'll get in these cabins. Think tens of thousands of dollars per way, if not more!
In the case of the example above, you could pay $15,000 to fly one-way between New York and Tokyo. That's a lot of cash! But a better way to book is by redeeming points and miles.
Using rewards points earned from credit card sign-up bonuses and aligning your wallet with your spending patterns can help you fly the best products commercial aviation has to offer without breaking the bank.
While this guide doesn't cover every first class cabin imaginable, it does cover what we think to be the best. So, without further ado, here's how to book the best first class seats with points and miles.
Etihad Apartments
Etihad's former CEO once described it to me as not trying to be the “biggest airline” but rather “the most luxurious airline.” The national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airlines, is certainly a premium airline.
For several years, it hasn't even been possible to fly its most premium product, The Residence (effectively a private three-room cabin in the sky), or its still-luxurious-but-more-traditional First Class Apartment seat since the airline's A380s were grounded. But now, the only aircraft that flies this configuration for Etihad has returned to the skies — and you can book its best seats with points.
The First Class Apartment features several incredible features, including a separate day bed in your fully enclosed suite, providing an unbelievable amount of space for an airline seat and an onboard shower. This contrasts Etihad's other First Class product on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which still features a door but not as much personal space.
Currently, the A380 is flying these routes for Etihad from Abu Dhabi (AUH):
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- New York-Kennedy (JFK)
- Mumbai (BOM)
- Paris (CDG) from November 1st, 2024
- Singapore (SIN) from February 1st, 2025
Booking the Etihad Apartment is surprisingly easy for such a premium product. Here's how you can:
Etihad Guest
The most obvious choice at first glance is Etihad, which prices routes on a distance-based chart. This means that flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and London (LHR) would cost 140,000 Etihad miles each way, plus taxes and fees, and flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and New York (JFK) would cost 220,000 miles, plus taxes and fees.
The problem with booking through Etihad is three-fold:
- You can book Etihad awards for less through partner airline programs.
- Etihad Guest passes on onerous carrier-imposed fuel surcharges.
- Etihad has one of the strictest award change and cancellation policies in award travel.
But on the bright side, it's easy to accrue Etihad miles. So, if you can stomach the surcharges and your plans are set in stone, booking through Etihad Guest is a completely viable option to book First Class awards.
Presently, you can transfer at a 1:1 ratio from the following multiple credit card programs:
American Airlines AAdvantage®
Etihad doesn't belong to an alliance but partners with several notable airlines. American Airlines is an example; AA prices First Class awards more reasonably than Etihad Guest. The same route from New York to Abu Dhabi that costs 220,000 Etihad Guest miles only costs 115,000 AAdvantage miles — with no carrier-imposed fuel surcharges!
One downside to booking through Etihad's partner airlines is that availability is comparatively poorer than if you book through Etihad Guest. Part of this is the “30-day rule” Etihad imposes on making premium cabin awards available to partners such as American and Air Canada.
With respect to the latter, Air Canada Aeroplan used to offer excellent value for Etihad First Class awards. While the prices are still great (think 130,000 Aeroplan points plus taxes and fees), availability is nonexistent. All to say, you can book premium Etihad awards through Aeroplan, but don't hold out hope you'll ever find award space.
Asiana Airlines Asiana Club
Asiana also partners with Etihad, and prices First Class awards at just 80,000 miles each way. However, Asiana doesn't work with any credit card programs. Rather, it only partners with Marriott Bonvoy®, which transfers to Asiana at a 3:1 ratio, plus a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points transferred.
You'll need to call Asiana to book these awards. So, a best practice is using a tool such as Seats.aero to locate bookable space and then dialing up Asiana.
Emirates First Class Suites
My favorite product I've flown has been Emirates First Class on the A380, which features a private seat with a door and an onboard shower uniquely available to first class passengers.
Since I've flown in first, Emirates has added an even more premium product on its Boeing 777-300ERs, without the shower experience of the A380. On board, travelers will have a truly enclosed suite (think floor-to-ceiling doors and walls) measuring 40 square feet, which even edges out Etihad's First Apartments at 39 square feet.
If you're looking to travel in Game Changer First Class, it can be hard to find bookable award space. That's because there are just nine 777-300ERs in the Emirates fleet with the newest First Class cabin. Common routes with these aircraft include flights from Dubai to London, Tokyo, Geneva, Brussels, and Zurich.
We have a whole guide to booking Emirates First Class with miles. But here's a recap.
Emirates Skywards
If you're lucky enough to find availability on this product, it'll cost you. Emirates First Class from Dubai to Tokyo starts at 141,000 Emirates Skywards miles and 1,615 AED (~$440). Flights to Europe are slightly cheaper, priced at 102,000 miles and 1,615 AED, though flights from London will be subject to a premium cabin tax.
A potentially cheaper way is to book first class by upgrading a business class ticket booked through Emirates. Anecdotally, this is very easy to do, and you can earn Emirates miles by transferring from the following programs:
Air Canada Aeroplan
Another potential booking partner is Air Canada Aeroplan, which has a specific award chart for Emirates flights.
| Flight Distance (Miles) | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2,000 | 15,000-35,000 | 30,000-77,500 | 65,000-175,000 |
| 2,001-5,000 | 21,000-65,000 | 45,000-140,000 | 110,000-325,000 |
| 5,001-9,000 | 40,000-85,000 | 80,000-185,000 | 225,000-475,000 |
| 9,001-12,000 | 60,000-110,000 | 120,000-225,000 | 300,000-600,000 |
| 12,001+ | 85,000-150,000 | 180,000-300,000 | 400,000-750,000 |
The downside to this award chart is that it's not specific pricing; rather, awards are priced within a range. Additionally, it's been harder and harder to find premium cabin availability through Aeroplan, so your mileage may vary here. To look up awards, you're best bet is to search on Aeroplan's website, as Seats.aero is unreliable for this partner.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Finally, you can also book Emirates First Class through Qantas Frequent Flyer. Qantas employs a distance-based award chart for Emirates First Class flights as well.
| Flight Distance (Miles) | Economy | Premium Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-600 | 10,000 | 15,800 | 20,000 | 29,000 |
| 601-1,200 | 14,000 | 23,700 | 30,000 | 43,500 |
| 1,201-2,400 | 20,000 | 34,500 | 43,800 | 64,500 |
| 2,401-3,600 | 24,500 | 48,500 | 61,200 | 89,800 |
| 3,601-4,800 | 30,200 | 59,000 | 75,000 | 107,700 |
| 4,801-5,800 | 37,800 | 70,800 | 90,000 | 129,300 |
| 5,801-7,000 | 45,000 | 81,800 | 104,500 | 149,800 |
| 7,001-8,400 | 50,300 | 93,500 | 119,200 | 170,800 |
| 8,401-9,600 | 61,500 | 109,000 | 139,200 | 199,300 |
| 9,601-15,000 | 66,200 | 124,800 | 159,000 | 227,500 |
If you need to top off your account, a number of transferrable currencies convert to Qantas points, each with varied ratios and transfer times.
ANA First Class Suites
ANA's new First Class Suites are a newsworthy upgrade and have earned a place on this list. With the first 4K TVs in the sky, measuring 43 inches, these fully enclosed suites are jaw-droppingly large. The cabin has only eight seats, making for a premium and exclusive experience in the sky.
You'll have a few options to book these suites, but right now, only a few routes feature the new suites, such as:
- Chicago (ORD) to Tokyo-Haneda (HND) and Tokyo-Narita (NRT)
- London (LHR) to Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
- New York-Kennedy (JFK) to Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
- San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
Related: The Best Points and Miles for Free Flights to Tokyo
ANA Mileage Club
The most obvious program to book through is ANA Mileage Club, which has historically offered the best availability for its members. Keep in mind that ANA does require round-trip travel on award bookings, which is a potential roadblock for some.
ANA also passes on hefty carrier-imposed surcharges to customers. Moreover, the airline only has two transfer partners you can leverage: Amex Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy.
However, the rates make up for the hassle and lack of transfer partners. ANA award pricing varies by season, but here's the minimum number of miles required for round-trip travel between Japan and North America:
- Fly between Japan and Hawaii: 120,000 Mileage Club miles
- Fly between Japan and the Continental U.S./Canada: 150,000 Mileage Club miles
Avianca LifeMiles
Avianca is another Star Alliance partner of ANA's with reasonable redemption rates. For the same New York to Tokyo route in ANA's first class, 120,000 LifeMiles are required per person.
Avianca has several transfer partners and routinely sells LifeMiles for incredible discounts, so it's easy to rack up a sizable balance of miles to book these aspirational awards.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
To me, the most exciting option for booking ANA First Class awards comes via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. You can book long-haul ANA First Class suites starting at only 85,000 miles each way per person between New York and Tokyo-Haneda, which is an incredible deal.
Keep in mind this is another airline with steep carrier-imposed fuel surcharges, and you'll have to call in to book at 1-800-365-9500. You'll also have to confirm availability with a partner like United, as it's not possible to search for ANA availability on Virgin Atlantic's website. The good news is this partner has the most credit card transfer partners from our list!
The Flying Club option also opens up a very cheap redemption in ANA First Class from Honolulu to either Haneda or Narita for only 57,500 miles each way. However, award availability can be hard to come by.
United MileagePlus
In recent history, United devalued international first class partner awards, but MileagePlus is a program worth mentioning nonetheless.
Generally speaking, it's relatively easy to earn United miles. The airline offers several credit cards and is a transfer partner of Bilt Rewards, Chase, and Marriott, so it's easier to plus up your balance of miles with United than with ANA, for example.
And as we mentioned, United charges hefty prices for ANA First Class awards, starting at 222,000 one-way from New York (JFK) to Tokyo Haneda (HND). On the bright side, the out-of-pocket cost is negligible.
Singapore Airlines Suites
Singapore Airlines, one of my favorite airlines, has always been known for its amazing lounges on the ground, stellar in-the-sky service, and excellent catering. In 2017, Singapore Airlines raised the bar for First Class in the sky with their Singapore Suites product on the A380.
This suite is already incredible for one person, with a Poltrona Frau chair that can swivel in three directions as well as a separate bed. However, if you can book for two, you'll be able to enjoy some of the most space in the sky for a first class suite. The beds even fold down to allow you to sleep in the same bed as your partner!
When it comes time to book, you'll want some Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles. That's because Singapore only allows its own members to redeem for First Class. Singapore is a transfer partner of several programs, such as:
Singapore Airlines works on a “Saver” and “Advantage” award availability system — spelled out in its zone-based award charts (caution: PDF link). Saver availability is cheaper than Advantage, and this particular seat is hard to come by. But generally speaking, you can expect to redeem the following for First Class awards to/from the United States and Canada:
- Saver awards between Singapore and USA (West Coast) & Canada: 146,500 KrisFlyer miles.
- Saver awards between Singapore and USA (East Coast & Houston): 148,500 KrisFlyer miles.
- Advantage awards between Singapore and USA (West Coast) & Canada: 228,000 KrisFlyer miles.
- Advantage awards between Singapore and USA (East Coast & Houston): 243,000 KrisFlyer miles.
Conclusion
You can't go wrong redeeming a first-class product for your next trip. The experience will make returning to domestic flying, especially in economy, difficult. And while we didn't touch on every first class product in the skies today, we hope this guide still allows you to strategize for your next long-haul flight so that you're flying one of these unbelievable and game-changing products!
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I’ve now flown on first class in Lufthansa a380, Emirates a380 and Singapore 777, American 777 and British Air 747. I missed out on flying suites when they changed routing for their a380. I was waitlisted to come back from Singapore in suites. Flight was supposed to depart 11:55p.m. 9p.m. was my last call to check on waitlist status. It never cleared. I don’t know if they ever filled the seats or chose not to. So, don’t hold your breath on Singapore waitlists.
Singapore 777 was the best 1st class experience so far. Only 4 first class seats, 35″ (or so) wide seat, great bed, incredible service and food. I’m still yearning to try suites class. That and Etihad are my bucket list flight dreams.
We lucked out on Lufthansa from LAX to Frankfurt in 1st class in 2016 using United miles. They released some first class seats 335 days in advance. I completely lucked out. I was trying to fly AA or Delta and there was nothing. checked United and the Lufthansa seats were there waiting for me. Saw internet postings later that day sharing the info.
The Private Room I found to be wonderful. Very sedate. The absolute best eggs benedict we have ever had. Impeccable service. It is only available for first class or suites class flying out of Singapore. Emirates first class in Dubai I think was best first class lounge experience so far. Incredible food and free 15 minute massage.
I need to do the apartment at least once in my life. Gotta save up a ton of miles and cash them on one great trip
Some day I’d love to say I slept in a bed on a plane!
This is one of the best benefits of any points lifestyle.
So can we have a post with tips and how to book these premium award travels? 🙂
We’re working on them as well!
wow. nicer than home.
I am green with envy for those that can try this out.
Good overview – thank you. The apartment has to be the height of luxury and possibly even better than if you had your own plane.
Flying in the residence is definitely on my to do list. Thanks for another great article.
Something to aspire to.
Howie, any tips/guidance on clearing the Singapore Airlines waitlist?
I hate to say it, but just wait. 🙁
Singapore Suites will do very nicely for me
If SQ is changing the online Award Bonus, will SPG Points still be as valuable as they are today?
Very helpful. Appreciate the breakdown.
Hmm for Lufthansa first I thought that they only make availability via united only super last minute or has that changed?
In general, yes — within 2 weeks of departure. That said, availability is great within that time.
It is a little hard for me to plan with only two weeks notice unfortunately. How do people get around this since I need to ask for PTO at least a month ahead of time at work?
They either don’t book it or they rely on past evidence that indicates it’ll open up.
I was thinking of award booking on United and then cancelling and rebooking. Do they not allow that?
You could do that. You’ll pay fees depending on what you change.
I love blog posts like this! These tidbits and numbers help me plan SO much better! My hubby is German and would love to wait like a celeb while eating gummy bears and drinking whiskey! Imagine how much my mil would love me too…and let’s face it we’re all trying to impress the in laws, right?
Now I noticed some restrictions on other ways to transfer points to airlines. Do these options you give have limits per year, etc?
No limits here on transfer amounts!
Really?! Are you pulling my chain? Awesome! Thank Howie!
Trying to book first class award space far in advance is much tougher than it used to be.
Etihad Apartment is a great use of AA miles. We’ve flown it twice and really enjoy it.
These are great tips, but I don’t earn enough points and/or miles to play the game of business or first class travel. I’m lucky enough just to get coach once in a while.
Love the concept. But not at all convinced that you can ever find a Singapore Suite using partner miles.
Nice to dream about doing this if we won some miles 🙂
I would love to do this someday!
Great post. Thanks for taking the time; your knowledge of this is quite amazing and Im really looking forward to the next part. Whats your suggestion for LAX (or west coast) to Thailand for a nice flying experience at a good value?
Brian, there are LOTS of great opportunities. What points/miles do you currently have? Some airlines I’d consider are Asiana, ANA, Cathay Pacific, Air China, EVA, and Japan Airlines (JAL). It all depends on what your travel bank looks like, but being on the west coast you’ve got a nice set of options.
200k chase, 120 citi, 10k spg, 60k american, 60k Southwest… nothing too amazing
All I need is good food and drinks.
Hi!
I live in Japan, and I need some advice: I’m trying to book TYO-PARIS with United miles, but for some reason I can’t book any non-stops, even though ANA and others fly it. Do you know why? No non-stops to Frankfurt, AMS, etc. also….it’s a big problem. I have to make 1-2 stops. Any ideas? thanks!
Serina, you can’t book it as in you cannot find award space? I just searched for flights this month and found availability on ANA non-stop in business class out of Haneda to CDG on their 789 aircraft (Dreamliner)
How do we use Chase Ultimate Reward Points to fly first class on Lufthansa?
I do not see that they are a transfer airline. In the good old days, we could use United Miles to fly first class on Lufthansa from US to Europe. Now they don’t even list a Lufthansa flight from US to Europe.
All suggestions welcome.
Alice, you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards to United and redeem for Lufthansa with United. You could do the same with transferring to Singapore. I just searched for flights from Chicago/ORD to Frankfurt and found both business and first class award space available this month on many days.
Thanks for suggesting Singapore Airlines. I will check that out.
My problem has been that when I search for flights on the united site they offer NO nonstop US to Frankfurt on Lufthansa. And one cannot directly transfer chase points to Lufthansa. So I am stuck with United.
I don’t know.. that’s still a lot of miles.
All good info for using points on very expensive flying experiences. Be strategic. Last time I used for FC the tix were $6k each. I’m also in love with Starwood card.
Wow! Great post- I would love to be able to do that sometime. I need to spend more money 🙂
Just wonderful. Appreciate all this good information. Looking forward to part 2.
Is it possible to do Singapore Airlines Suites out of Singapore to US? I’m interested in visiting The Private Room. Is it worth it? Which route to the US makes for longest in flight time? Is the Itihad Apartment a better experience? I have a lot of Chase Ultimate Rewards to use and want to cash in for an amazing experience! Great article! Thanks!
Yes. It’d be Singapore to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to New York. I’ve got a friend that did the reverse this past week. As for Private Room, I can’t speak personally to it. Nor can I speak to the Etihad apartment … but it’d be higher on my list.
Flew back from Singapore in February in Suites and flying back in April. Suites are wonderful- very comfortable bed, but I was COMPLETELY underwhelmed by Private Room in Singapore. Lufthansa and Emirates first class lounges MUCH BETTER.
Visited The Private Room in November. Found it to be very nice but food and service wasn’t impressive. It was a bucket list item. Enjoyed first class lounge at the bar more.
Howie, great article! I looked at the 5 rewards cards you mentioned. I’ve already gotten the 2 Starwood cards. Do you know if I can transfer rewards from either of the 2 Chase cards, or the Ink card into AA miles?
Thanks.
Steve, you can’t transfer Chase to AA. You could send to BA and redeem on AA if that was your goal.
Good article. I may be incorrect but I think he asking to redeem for EY through AA. Can this be done BA to AA?
BA to AA to EY?
You cannot transfer BA to AA, nor can you redeem BA Avios for flights on EY.
Singapore Suites for 40k United Miles to Singapore? Really!? I’m all over that.
FROM Hong Kong 🙂
main issue is: to get a hand on theses tickets – close to no chance at Singapore without the highest status there….
I got confirmed on a Suites flight to LA. Sure it didn’t happen until a week before departure but my request cleared. I didn’t end up taking the flight due to a change in plans but it does work.
Good to know. I won’t be flying with most of those airlines though but Luftansa is a great airline so I will look into this. Looking forward to part 2 and I hope there are more airlines I like to fly with.
Quite a few of these are on the bucket list! Now to save some miles and pray for availability.
Applying for that SPG card today.
That’ll go nicely with our Chase points & we can transfer all that to do a nice trip to Asia this winter.
The kicker is to actually get the seats!
You should br able to get business
Class on singapore from lax to
Singspore and to bangkok.
I book this flight in jan 2017 for
Departiute last week of nov 2017.
Open a singapore account. You need
To be aware when singapore open
Their seats. Also flying from Hong
Kong to Sydney on cathay pacific
Business class for 60k which was a
Bargain for two. Use Alaska Air to
book cathay pacific.Went to thailand
Last year and returning again. Great
Country to visit and prices very
Reasonable for first class hotels.
Good luck
Wow, just thinking about traveling like this gives me the goosebumps.
EY’s A380 is also flying to LHR and CDG (announced today) so one can enjoy the apartment suites on these routes as well.
Good find. What is the route?
Guessing AUH-LHR?
Great article! I want to try all of those.
I think that A380 Apartment is definitely on my official bucket list. Kind of a lot of miles for some diminishing returns if you’re travelling with a spouse, though. Still, what fun if you’ve got the miles to spend…
Definitely do it! The wife & I flew the First Apartment MEL to AUH, and it was absolutely fantastic. Hands-down the most comfortable I have even been on an airplane. We’re looking forward to booking it again!
Yeah definitely worth it. I booked a ticket using aa miles using advice from TravelSort (had to buy their maximum amount at the beginning of the year). Flew from JFK to Mumbai with my wife. Absolutely fantastic experience. Cost 360,000 miles roundtrip for both of us. Now my wife doesn’t want to fly any other way…
I am trying to find two business saver awards from LAX/SYD using AA miles. No availability for the next 11 months. This is an exercise in frustration.
Ed, it is hands down one of the most difficult routes to find award availability. Check BNE and MEL along with SFO and DFW too. I’m not saying there is space, but check all your options.
Also check award flights to New Zealand, and then a separate hop across to Australia.
It will cost a bit more but you should have more luck if you transit Hong Kong using Cathay.
Someday, I will have to try this. Thanks for the info.
Great info for flying first class!