Denis Carlin

So, I now have 41,600 miles, as does my partner.
I've never redeemed miles before so need some advice.
Later this year we'd like to fly again with That to Penang, returning from Tokyo, always via HK of course.
Zurich - Hong Kong requires 41000 AM to upgrade from Economy and 50000 to upgrade Zurich-HK Return from Premium Economy.

Does this mean I can both either
a) Economy for 800USD and then redeem one of the ZRH-HK legs to use the 41K or
b) Premium Economy for 1550USD and redeem both legs but have to pay for the missing 8,400 miles?

Is that correct or do I have this all wrong?

fromhell

Hello Denis!

Welcome to the world of miles and points.

Generally for Asia Miles (and many other frequent flyer prorgammes, or in short, FFP) require a higher fare class for upgrading cabin class with miles.
May I know your itinerary?

Cheers!

Denis Carlin

Thanks a lot!
I understand what you mean now, with Cathay Economy, you need to book Economy Core or higher to upgrade and with Premium Economy it has to be Flex or higher

My itinerary would be Zurich -> Penang 03.09.2020, Tokyo -> Zurich 04.10.2020 (approx dates)

By my reckoning I could pay (Economy) CHF901 and use my 41000 AM for one way Business Class upgrade
Premium Economy would cost CHF2164 plus 8000AM cost for return Business Class upgrade, is that correct?

Cheers
Denis

zebranz

Depending on your cash situation might want to save them for a better deal and just buy a r/t on QR. Look for sales or discounts offered. Their present normal price is CHF 2639-2642 r/t biz.

https://www.google.com/flights?hl=en...;sd:1;t:f;tt:m

Sale Fares Pricing ONLY

Denis Carlin

Thanks a lot, would maybe make more sense than the 2nd option.
What would be a better deal that could come up with Cathay for the Air Miles?

zebranz

IMO good use is CX first class when you have enough miles or can transfer sufficient amounts from credit cards. But I fly biz and 1st only. This is a personal choice.

boybi

Correct. Upgraded my HKG-FRA flight to FCL for just 50K miles.

fromhell

No unfortunately you cannot upgrade from Economy to Business on flights equipped with Premium Economy cabins.
For Economy to Premium Economy:
ZRH-HKG: 22,000 miles (no PEY on PEN)
TYO-HKG-ZRH: 30,000 miles (the routing exceeds 7,500 miles)
For Premium Economy to Business:
ZRH-HKG-PEN: 25,000 miles
TYO-HKG-ZRH: 35,000 miles

As many posters have mentioned, QR would be a much better deal

You might also want to check the current sale from Lufthansa/Swiss right now ex-Europe, extremely attractive pricing to HKG and various Asian cities.
LX/LH: First class fares from Sweden
Sometimes you have to search 2+ persons to obtain the sales pricing. Even First Class fare is not unreasonable.
IMO you can use 41,000 miles for your intra-Europe/intra-Asia segments.
If you want to build up your Asia Miles balance for other fancy trips in the future, segments marketed AND operated by LH/LX can be credited to Asia Miles.

Another "sweet spot" in Asia Miles is their competitive pricing for flights in Medium Haul (2,751-5,000 miles).
45,000 miles one-way business class on CX/KA own metal and likely 5,000 miles surcharge for partners.
If you fly from ZRH on LX with some frequency, it covers pretty much the east coast of US / Middle-East and even parts of India.

Hope it helps!

Denis Carlin

That's very helpful, thanks!
So, Business Class upgrade is pointless from PE as you can get it for the same or less with Qatar anyway.
OK, I could upgrade E-> PE or just save them for something better, once I get to 65K-70K I have a lot more flexibility, correct?

Swiss aren't included here : https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_...ub-points.html
How does the crediting work?

fromhell

LH/LX are not elite-qualifying but are Asia Miles earning and redeeming partners. See below:

https://www.asiamiles.com/en/earn-mi...r-lines#redeem

Denis Carlin

Great, you're a fantastic help.
How can I compare who I'll get more miles with between Swiss and say, Japan Airlines?

fromhell

There's a handy tool called www.wheretocredit.com
Of course always double-check with your marketing(OW)/operating carrier(*A) and your destination FFP.