Rookie with a question [BOS-LIS with AMEX MR]
Nov 24, 2017, 8:16 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1
Rookie with a question [BOS-LIS with AMEX MR]
Total newb with points so at the risk of being a free loader, I thought I'd ask the community if anyone had advice. I'm flying with my wide from Boston to Lisbon next June (24th - 30th) and wondering if I can get business class with points. I have 150,000 Amex points and would spend another $1,500 or so. I can book through Amex to get the economy seats for free, but was wondering if through some combination of cash and points I could manage to get business class without paying the full price ( about $7K total). If there's a service that can help figure this out, I'd love to know about it or any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated! Thanks for the help!
Nov 24, 2017, 8:55 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Welcome to Flyertalk @Philip McKeating.
Since it appears you're looking at using AMEX points, we'll move this to the AMEX forum for further discussion.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
Since it appears you're looking at using AMEX points, we'll move this to the AMEX forum for further discussion.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
Nov 24, 2017, 9:39 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,082
We have a thread where folks offer their services to book award travel for you. See Award booking services - a list and some reviews
Generally, when booking with miles you cannot u/g with cash. There may be some excepts. Have you looked at booking through AMEX and not transferring points?
Generally, when booking with miles you cannot u/g with cash. There may be some excepts. Have you looked at booking through AMEX and not transferring points?
Nov 24, 2017, 9:50 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2013
Location: DTW
Programs: AMEX, Ritz LT-Plat Prem, Hyatt Plat, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Delta Plat, United Gold, Sixt Plat
Posts: 866
Total newb with points so at the risk of being a free loader, I thought I'd ask the community if anyone had advice. I'm flying with my wide from Boston to Lisbon next June (24th - 30th) and wondering if I can get business class with points. I have 150,000 Amex points and would spend another $1,500 or so. I can book through Amex to get the economy seats for free, but was wondering if through some combination of cash and points I could manage to get business class without paying the full price ( about $7K total). If there's a service that can help figure this out, I'd love to know about it or any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated! Thanks for the help!
Nov 25, 2017, 1:18 am
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
Also, neither AS, JL, nor KE is an Amex transfer partner. They should not have been listed.
Finally, OP should note that Air Canada's Aeroplan and ANA (NH) are both AMEX transfer partners, and both offer excellent business class redemption rates to Europe. Way better, for example, than BA, where you'll pay exorbitant surcharges.
Nov 25, 2017, 1:35 am
#6
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, UA Gold, Marriott LTT, Avis President's Club
Posts: 1,539
As Kacee notes, BA Avios aren't great for trans-Atlantic as the chart is distance based and YQ is out of control. ANA has a great chart with the catch that you need to book a RT (which doesn't seem like an issue here). If you don't want to put the legwork into finding award space, transferring points, and booking, there are award booking services which are worth while.