Experience Air France's Business Class for a Bargain: 60,000 Air Miles
Booking a business-class flight from Paris to Washington Dulles for 60,000 Flying Blue miles is a savvy move, as this journey typically costs around $5,000 in cash. Here's how to make the most of your American Express Membership Rewards points to achieve this.
Key Strategies
- Transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to airline partners with good award pricing for business class
- Transferring points to partners like Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, and Avianca LifeMiles can offer competitive redemption rates for transatlantic business-class flights. For example, round-trip business class can be as low as around 68,000 points one-way to Europe with these programs.
- Use the American Express Business Platinum Card’s 35% Pay With Points rebate on flights
- Cardholders can get a 35% points rebate on flights booked at least partially with points on any airline, significantly reducing net point cost when booking business class.
- Book flights through Amex Travel to earn 5X points and gain flexible booking plus lounge access
- Booking flights with the Business Platinum card earns 5X points per dollar, helping offset the higher upfront cost of business class tickets. The card also provides access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide.
- Combine transfer partner bookings with strategic use of Amex Travel for mixed itineraries
- This flexibility is crucial during peak travel seasons when award seats are scarce.
Additional Tips
- Monitor flight sales and award availability to capitalize on lower mileage requirements or fare sales combined with points usage.
- Ensure your Membership Rewards points are pooled and timed for transfers to partners when favourable award space or promotions arise.
- Be mindful of transfer times as some partners post points instantly, others may take longer.
Transferring Points Points can be transferred from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards to Flying Blue at a 1:1 ratio.
Taxes and Fees Taxes and fees for the flight were approximately $500.
Credit Card Options Several credit cards offer welcome bonuses that can accumulate enough points to book an award flight like the one described in this article, including the American Express Gold Card, The Platinum Card from American Express, American Express Business Gold Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
- To maximize your American Express Membership Rewards points for travel, consider transferring them to airline partners like Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, or Avianca LifeMiles due to their competitive redemption rates for business class.
- By using the 35% Pay With Points rebate on flights with the American Express Business Platinum Card, cardholders can reduce net point cost when booking expensive travel such as business class.
