Originally Posted by
dunderball
I know for sure that I'll be going to San Francisco from NY next summer.
Assuming you plan ahead you should be able to buy that ticket for say $300 in coach (or much less). At a minimum if you fly NYC -> HKG or TYO I'd expect you will pay $800 for coach (or more). Which is worth more to you?
Also keep in mind that you likely will have the points to go NYC -> HKG or TYO in Business or First, likely that is not worth the posted price to you, but is worth something more than the $800 coach price, maybe twice?
Do the grand first class trip, save up your pennies to pay for SFO… or get another credit card to do that trip.