Originally Posted by
SVG_A5
Hi All...looking for some help with an upcoming trip on Jan 3 - Jan 10 2018.
I'd like to fly from LAX to HKG with a 1 stop max in business using my United and Chase points (that I've collected forever!). It looks like the best use of points is the 80k saver award booked round trip (160k total). I would have to use one of their partner airlines get this rate which include: Asiana, Air India, Thai Airways and Air China...Is using the United website the best way to book this flight? Has anyone had any experience/feedback on any of these flights in business to HKG?
I've been pretty good at accumulating points but feels like using them is also something to learn...First time booking an international business class flight using United points so any help would be appreciated! TIA!
Welcome to FlyerTalk!
Yes, the United website is the way to book this. The only airline that you can't book online is Singapore Airlines, and they don't allow partner awards to be booked on their long-haul flights anyway. I suppose LAX-SIN-HKG is a possible itinerary, but (a) that's
way out of the way and (b) LAX-SIN saver award space isn't likely to be plentiful. I don't believe there are any non-stop Star Alliance flights from LAX to HKG, so 1 stop is the best you'll be able to do.
I would not recommend Air China (CA), nor would I recommend connecting in PEK in general. PEK is a zoo, and CA has a nasty habit of having award reservations disappear.
For the return trip, I'd probably fly Swiss, just because I never have.
but if you're not in the habit of spending an extra 8 hours in transit, Asiana is quite nice. Air India doesn't have a good reputation on the board, so I'd think Asiana + Thai on the way out and Asiana on the way back.
Have a great trip!
PS: LAX-SFO-HKG would be fewer miles and features United's newest business class seats. However, Business Saver is vey difficult to find on SFO-HKG.