{"id":268664,"date":"2026-11-14T12:00:19","date_gmt":"2026-11-14T12:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=268664\/"},"modified":"2026-11-14T12:14:46","modified_gmt":"2026-11-14T12:14:46","slug":"best-ways-to-book-british-airways-first-class-using-points-and-miles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/book-british-airways-first-class\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Ways To Book British Airways First Class Using Points and Miles"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>British Airways First Class can be a fantastic way to cross the Atlantic using points and miles. Between the premium onboard experience, exclusive ground services at London Heathrow, and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.britishairways.com\/content\/information\/about-ba\/fleet-facts\/airbus-a380-800\/new-era\" rel=\"noopener\">all-new First Suites coming to the Airbus A380<\/a>, there's plenty to love.<\/p>\n<p>But there's one big catch: Booking British Airways First Class with certain airline loyalty programs can cost you a small fortune in taxes and fees.<\/p>\n<p>For example, we found First Class awards from Washington, D.C. (IAD) to London (LHR) requiring more than $1,600 in taxes and fees when booked with British Airways Avios. Yet other airline programs let you book BA First on the same route for a fraction of that out-of-pocket cost \u2014 sometimes even with fewer miles.<\/p>\n<p>So, which airline miles should you use to book British Airways First Class? We compared actual award availability and pricing across several loyalty programs to find the best options. Here's what we found.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Which_British_Airways_Aircraft_Have_a_First_Class_Cabin\">Which British Airways Aircraft Have a First Class Cabin?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>First Class seats are available on the following British Airways aircraft:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Airbus A380 (configured with 14 First Suites)<\/li>\n<li>Boeing 777-300ER<\/li>\n<li>A portion of the airline's Boeing 777-200ER<\/li>\n<li>Boeing 787 Dreamliners (all configured with 8 First Suites).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Amenities include everything from Johnnie Walker Blue Label luxury Scotch whisky to First Wing access at London Heathrow Terminal 5. The <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.britishairways.com\/content\/information\/about-ba\/fleet-facts\/airbus-a380-800\/new-era\" rel=\"noopener\">new A380 First Class<\/a> will feature a new dining experience, luxury amenity kits, sleepwear, and more.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_285795\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/338\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-285795 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/first-customer-reclining-seat-ife-16-9.avif\" alt=\"Person reclining in BA First class\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/first-customer-reclining-seat-ife-16-9.avif 1440w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/first-customer-reclining-seat-ife-16-9-750x422.avif 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/first-customer-reclining-seat-ife-16-9-900x506.avif 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/first-customer-reclining-seat-ife-16-9-768x432.avif 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>Credit: British Airways<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>However, if you want to use your British Airways Avios to book First Class, you'll be shocked by the taxes and fees. British Airways charges 75,000 Avios for a one-way off-peak First Class ticket between Washington, D.C. and London, which is pretty reasonable, but you'll pay $1,683.50 in taxes and fees.<\/p>\n<p>That's entirely unreasonable, so we've rounded up a few partner redemptions that won't require quite as much out of pocket.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_285801\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/332\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-285801 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Screenshot-2026-11-13-at-01.50.05.png\" alt=\"British Airways redemption from IAD to LHR in first\" width=\"750\" height=\"332\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Screenshot-2026-11-13-at-01.50.05.png 1882w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Screenshot-2026-11-13-at-01.50.05-750x332.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Screenshot-2026-11-13-at-01.50.05-900x399.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Screenshot-2026-11-13-at-01.50.05-768x340.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Screenshot-2026-11-13-at-01.50.05-1536x681.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of British Airways<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Best_Ways_To_Book_British_Airways_First_Class\">Best Ways To Book British Airways First Class<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span id=\"American_Airlines_AAdvantage\">American Airlines AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It'll cost you just 85,000 American Airlines miles to book BA First from Washington, D.C., to London, although be prepared to pay more than $1,500 (!) in carrier-imposed taxes and surcharges. Not quite as bad as British Airways, but still not great.<\/p>\n<p>However, booking through AAdvantage means no cancellation fees, so the added flexibility makes sense if this is an aspirational redemption for you.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_280611\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/369\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-280611 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-750x369.png\" alt=\"British Airways First Class redemption using American Airlines miles\" width=\"750\" height=\"369\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-750x369.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-900x443.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-768x378.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1536x757.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image.png 1557w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of American Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>To earn American Airlines miles, you're somewhat limited. You can transfer <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Citi ThankYou<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points<\/a>, or earn AAdvantage miles through a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/american-aadvantage\/american-airlines-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">co-branded credit card<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-citi\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/11937075.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Citi Strata Premier\u00ae Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Citi Strata Premier<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn 60,000 bonus ThankYou<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Citi Strata Premier\u00ae Card' data-ccid=\"520083\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-CitiPremierCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$95<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"520083\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=a3pDkecFgAg&offerid=1978593.4328&type=3&subid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>10X on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked through CitiTravel.com<\/li>\r\n<li>3X \u2013 Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>3X \u2013 Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Restaurants<\/li>\r\n<li>3X \u2013 Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Supermarkets<\/li>\r\n<li>3X \u2013 Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Gas and EV Charging Stations <\/li>\r\n<li>1X \u2013 Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on All Other Purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CardArt-CitiStrataEliteCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. <\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card' data-ccid=\"242\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CitiStrataElite?var2=ccid~242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$595<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"242\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=a3pDkecFgAg&offerid=1978593.4347&type=3&subid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--0\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>12X \u2013 Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com.<\/li>\r\n<li>6X \u2013 Earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com.<\/li>\r\n<li>6X \u2013 Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights\u2120 purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time.<\/li>\r\n<li>1.5X \u2013 Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/e6cc1cfb-9ceb-4317-9560-f1fd0af39938.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Citi\u00ae \/ AAdvantage\u00ae Executive World Legend Mastercard\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Citi<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> \/ AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Executive World Legend Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nEarn 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> bonus miles after $8,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"qs-how-apply\" data-ccid=\"3004054\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-CitiAAdvantageExecutiveWorldEliteMasterCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$695<\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul><li>Earn 12X miles for every $1 spent on eligible hotels booked at aa.com\/hotels and eligible rental cars booked through aa.com\/cars<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 4X miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases (increased to 5X miles through the end of the calendar year after you pass $150,000 in purchases annually)<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 1X mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><span id=\"Alaska_Airlines_Atmos_Rewards\">Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can book the same route in BA First for 82,500 <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/alaska-atmos-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Alaska Atmos Rewards points<\/a>. The taxes and fees here are more palatable, although still high at slightly more than $1,000. One benefit of booking with Atmos, however, is the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/alaska-atmos-rewards\/earning-status-using-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">status miles you'll earn<\/a>, which could matter if you're chasing Alaska elite status.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_280614\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/318\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-280614 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-750x318.png\" alt=\"Booking British Airways First through Alaska Atmos\" width=\"750\" height=\"318\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-750x318.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-900x381.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1-768x325.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-1.png 1442w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Alaska Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>To earn Atmos Rewards points, once again, you're somewhat limited. You can transfer <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Points<\/a> to Atmos Rewards, or earn through one of Alaska's co-branded credit cards.<\/p>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-bank-of-america\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/CardArt-BiltPalladiumCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Bilt Palladium Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Bilt Palladium Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Bilt Palladium Card' data-ccid=\"212\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/BiltPalladiumCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$495<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"212\" href=\"https:\/\/legal.cardless.com\/rates_and_fees\/bilt\/rates_and_fees.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--0\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee.<\/li>\r\n<li>2X points on everyday spend<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/11937253.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Atmos\u2122 Rewards Ascent Visa Signature\u00ae credit card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Atmos\u2122 Rewards Ascent Visa Signature<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> credit card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus:<\/strong>\r\nLimited-time online offer \u2013 Earn up to 80,000 bonus points. Get 60,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. Earn an additional 20,000 bonus points after spending a total of $5,000 or more on purchases within the same 90-day period.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='Atmos\u2122 Rewards Ascent Visa Signature\u00ae credit card' data-ccid=\"5048390\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AlaskaAirlinesVisaSignatureCreditCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$95<\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent\/Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn unlimited 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases<\/li>\r\n<li> Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn unlimited 1 point for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/11937184.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Atmos\u2122 Rewards Summit Visa Infinite\u00ae credit card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">Atmos\u2122 Rewards Summit Visa Infinite<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> credit card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Limited-time online offer - 100,000 bonus points. Get 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award with this offer. To qualify, spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='Atmos\u2122 Rewards Summit Visa Infinite\u00ae credit card' data-ccid=\"5048391\" data-exit=\"ccw\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/AlaskaAtmosSummitVisa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$395<\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent\/Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n  <li>3X points on eligible dining, foreign transactions, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines purchases<\/li>\r\n  <li>1X point on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n  <li>10% points bonus with an eligible Bank of America<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> account<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><span id=\"Japan_Airlines_Mileage_Bank\">Japan Airlines Mileage Bank<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Arguably the best way to book BA First is through Japan Airlines' loyalty program, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/jal-mileage-bank\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Mileage Bank<\/a>. We found seats from Washington, D.C. to London for just 65,000 JAL miles. Even better, taxes and fees are only slightly more than $200.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_280619\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/386\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-280619 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3-750x386.png\" alt=\"Booking British Airways First Class with just 65,000 Japan Airlines miles\" width=\"750\" height=\"386\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3-750x386.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3-900x463.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3-768x395.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-3.png 1305w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Japan Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Plus, you have several options to earn JAL miles, but Citi, Rove, and Bilt will offer the best transfer ratios:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transfer-times\"><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-head tt-from\">From<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-to\">To<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-ratio\">Transfer Ratio<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-mintransfer\">Min.Transfer<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-avg\">Average Time<\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/capital-one-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Japan Airlines (JMB)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">100:75<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-immediate\">Immediate<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/citi-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Citibank (ThankYou Rewards)<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Japan Airlines (JMB)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>Barclaycard<div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Japan Airlines (JMB)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">11,500:5,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/bilt-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Rewards<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Japan Airlines (JMB)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<div class=\"tt-bonus\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/transfer-bilt-points-japan-airlines\/\">Transfer partner added in October 2025<\/a>.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">2,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>HSBC Rewards<div class=\"tt-from-region\">Taiwan<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Japan Airlines (JMB)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">500:500<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">3,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>Rove<\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Japan Airlines (JMB)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">100:100<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">2,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h3><span id=\"Cathay_Pacific_Asia_Miles\">Cathay Pacific Asia Miles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cathay Pacific is another Asian airline with low taxes and fees for BA First. Asia Miles, the loyalty program for the Hong Kong-based carrier, has BA First available for 100,000 miles, with taxes and fees under $250. This is quite a bit more than some of the other programs, but you might prefer the lower taxes and fees in exchange for the higher mileage cost.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_280623\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/485\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-280623 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4-750x485.png\" alt=\"You can book British Airways First Class with 100,000 Cathay Pacific miles.\" width=\"750\" height=\"485\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4-750x485.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4-900x582.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4-768x497.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image-4.png 1472w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Cathay Pacific<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>While American Express in the U.S. devalued its transfer ratio to Asia Miles to 5:4, you can still transfer Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou Points, Bilt Points, Wells Fargo Rewards, and Rove Miles to Asia Miles at a 1:1 ratio:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transfer-times\"><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-head tt-from\">From<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-to\">To<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-ratio\">Transfer Ratio<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-mintransfer\">Min.Transfer<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-avg\">Average Time<\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amex (Membership Rewards)<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Cathay Pacific (Cathay)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:800<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-days\">8 hours<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/capital-one-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Cathay Pacific (Cathay)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">100:100<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-days\">2 days<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/citi-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Citibank (ThankYou Rewards)<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Cathay Pacific (Cathay)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,100<div class=\"tt-bonus\"><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/cathay-pacific-transfer-bonus\/\">10% transfer bonus through November 14, 2026<\/a>.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-immediate\">Immediate<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/bilt-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Rewards<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Cathay Pacific (Cathay)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">2,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/brex-rewards-guide\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brex Cash<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Cathay Pacific (Cathay)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">3:2<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">500<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-immediate\">Immediate<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>Rove<\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Cathay Pacific (Cathay)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">2,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/wells-fargo-rewards\/transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wells Fargo (Rewards)<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Cathay Pacific (Cathay)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1:1<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>That means U.S.-based travelers can build up a Cathay Pacific Asia Miles balance through any card that earns these points, like the <a data-ccid=\"3006151\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/venture-card\/\">Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card<\/a> or <a data-ccid=\"5048357\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/wells-fargo-rewards\/autograph-journey\/\">Wells Fargo Autograph Journey<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>British Airways First Class is an aspirational airline product that should only get better once we experience these seats on a retrofitted A380. Luckily, there are multiple options for flying in this premium cabin over to London.<\/p>\n<p><em>What programs have you used to book British Airways First Class?<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"ftoc\"><div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Which_British_Airways_Aircraft_Have_a_First_Class_Cabin\">Which British Airways Aircraft Have a First Class Cabin?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Best_Ways_To_Book_British_Airways_First_Class\">Best Ways To Book British Airways First Class<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#American_Airlines_AAdvantage\">American Airlines AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Alaska_Airlines_Atmos_Rewards\">Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Japan_Airlines_Mileage_Bank\">Japan Airlines Mileage Bank<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Cathay_Pacific_Asia_Miles\">Cathay Pacific Asia Miles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Bottom_Line\">Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here is a roundup of a few of our favorite ways to book British Airways First Class using points and miles, including with partner programs like American Airlines and Japan Airlines.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":95,"featured_media":239605,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":false,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"","_twitter_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type":"","_pinterest_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"","_medium_share_type":"","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_bluesky_share_type":"","_mastodon_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"","timeOption":"","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":""},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12067],"tags":[12770,12776,12774,12769,12760,12629],"coauthors":[36525],"class_list":["post-268664","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-booking-travel","tag-alaska-mileage-plan","tag-american-aadvantage","tag-ba-executive-club","tag-cathay-pacific-asia-miles","tag-jal-mileagebank","tag-using-points"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268664","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/95"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=268664"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268664\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":285902,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268664\/revisions\/285902"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=268664"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=268664"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=268664"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=268664"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}