Exploring the Skies in Style: A Beginner's Guide to Booking 5 Top Business Class Flights with Amex Points

Welcome to the world of travel hacking, where luxury meets affordability! If you're new to using credit card points for travel, this blog is your perfect start. We're diving into how you can use your American Express (Amex) points to book exceptional business class flights, all for under 110,000 points. Get ready to elevate your travel game!

1. Iberia Business Class: New York, Chicago, Washington DC to Madrid

• Points Required: 68,000 points round trip.
• How to Book: Convert your Amex points to Iberia Plus.
• Experience: Iberia's business class offers a refined atmosphere, with spacious seating that converts into fully flat beds, and a delectable dining experience featuring Spanish cuisine.
• Beginner Tips: Look for "off-peak" dates on Iberia's calendar for the best availability and rates. Booking well in advance or last-minute can often yield the best deals.

2. ANA Business Class to Japan

• Points Required: 85,000 points.
• How to Book: Transfer your Amex points to ANA Mileage Club.
• Experience: ANA is celebrated for its meticulous service. The business class cabins are designed for comfort and privacy, perfect for both relaxation and work.
• Newbie Note: ANA's award chart is region-based, so flights to different parts of Japan cost the same. Award availability is more limited, so plan ahead and be flexible with dates.

3. Emirates Business Class: Newark to Athens

• Points Required: 108,000 points.
• How to Book: Transfer points to Amex Skywards.
• Experience: Known for luxury, Emirates' business class features private minibars, gourmet meals, and a renowned onboard lounge.
• First-Time Flyers: Keep an eye on Emirates' special offers and be flexible with travel dates to find the best availability for this high-demand route.

4. Air France – KLM Business Class: US to Europe

• Points Required: 100,000 points.
• How to Book: Transfer your Amex points to Flying Blue.
• Experience: Enjoy a personalized experience with fine dining and a comfortable, private space. Both airlines excel in onboard service and hospitality.
• Beginner’s Strategy: Flying Blue has dynamic pricing, which means the points cost varies. Frequently check their website for promotions and deals.

5. Business Class on Delta: US East Coast and Atlanta to Europe

• Points Required: 95,000 points.
• How to Book: Transfer Amex points to Virgin Atlantic, then book Delta flights.
• Experience: Delta One offers lie-flat seats, excellent in-flight entertainment, and access to premium lounges.
• Advice for Rookies: Delta's partnership with Virgin Atlantic often allows for lower point redemptions than Delta's own SkyMiles program. Regularly check both airlines for the best options.

Maximizing Your Points

• Understanding Transfer Partners: Amex has multiple airline transfer partners. Each partner has its unique redemption chart and availability, offering flexibility and variety in using your points.
• Booking in Advance: Generally, booking well in advance ensures better availability, especially for popular routes.
• Being Flexible: Sometimes, being flexible with your travel dates can open up more award seat options.

Conclusion

‍Embarking on your first business class adventure with Amex points is an exciting step in your travel journey. These five options offer a mix of luxury, comfort, and adventure, all within the reach of your points balance. Remember, the world of points and miles is constantly evolving, so stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the journey! Safe travels!

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