Originally Posted by
RBirns
I will be traveling to Israel from US next April, and would like to fly business or first. Probably El Al or Delta, but open to others. I have over a million Amex points on my Gold Card, also have a Platinum Card if that matters. What is my best strategy for buying these seats with points?
As a Platinum card holder, you have access to Amex's International Airline Program, which can have discounted cash fares on Business/First Class travel on participating airlines. Delta is a participant, as is Etihad (in case you were willing to connect in Abu Dhabi). You can use your Amex MR points to pay for such a fare. This might or might not be cheaper than transferring your points to an airline FFP, and redeeming for an award ticket. (Note that Amex charges a fee for transferring points to domestic FFPs, such as Delta Sky Miles.)
Details of the IAP here:
https://onemileatatime.com/guides/am...rline-program/
("Amex International Airline Program (IAP) Guide")