People in economy are forced to focus on square inches. Every inch of legroom, pitch, width and seat back entertainment screen can make a huge difference. But in Etihad A380 First Class, we’re moving up the measurement system. Etihad First Class offers more square footage than any other first class cabin, with a separate seat and bed, with a closable door. Here are your best bets for flying Etihad First Class using points.
How To Create Points: SPG Points can be transferred to Asiana, any Star Alliance flights can be credited to Asiana and they also offer a credit card in certain markets.
Why It’s Great: Asiana offers arguably the very best rates for travel on Etihad First Class. Europe to Middle East cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and vice versa would run just 40,000 points one way. There are longer opportunities at great rates too.
The Chart: Figure out your best bet using this chart.
Booking: You’ll need to call Asiana MileageClub to get these flights booked. Find availability using the EtihadGuest website, looking for “guest seat” availability – while ignoring the Etihad rates.
How To Create Points: You can easily earn 120,000 American Miles in 120 seconds. SPG Points can be transferred to American, any OneWorld flights can be credited to American and they also offer multiple credit cards in certain markets. Plus – you can earn from online shopping.
Why It’s Great: American Airlines still offers some excellent rates on Etihad First Class, starting at just 62,500 points. American Miles are relatively easy to earn, giving you lots of ways to create enough.
The Chart: Figure out your best bet using this chart.
Booking: You’ll need to call American AAdvantage to get these booked. Find availability using the EtihadGuest website, looking for “guest seat” availability – while ignoring the Etihad rates. And use this trick to help the agent see what you want to book.
How To Create Points: ANA points can be instantly created by transferring American Express points. You can also earn ANA points for flights on any Star Alliance airlines. They do have a credit card, but it’s not very lucrative.
Why It’s Great: 120,000 miles round trip between Europe and the Middle East, 195,000 between the US and Abu Dhabi with lots of other great rates. For round trip – that’s amazing, and getting booked is fairly easy. If you have Amex points, this is tough to beat.
The Chart: Figure out your best bet using this chart.
Booking: You’ll need to call ANA to get these booked. Find availability using the EtihadGuest website, looking for “guest seat” availability – while ignoring the Etihad rates. Next, call ANA at your local call number, or on Skype and ask to book a partner flight using miles.
How To Create Points: Etihad is a transfer partner of SPG, Amex and Citi, allowing you to turn everyday spending into first class flights. You can also earn Etihad guest points for all your Etihad flights, as well as flights on select partners such as American, Asiana, ANA Air New Zealand, Korean SAS and more. They offer a credit card in many markets too.
Why It’s Great: The ability to instantly turn credit card points into airline miles without flying is awesome. Couple that with a wide variety of flight partners, with whom you can earn Etihad miles for any flights – and a credit card of their own, and you’ve got a decent chance here!
The Chart: Expect around 100,000 points one way for most flights long enough to enjoy. Figure out your best bet using this calculator.
Booking: Find availability using the EtihadGuest website, looking for “guest seat” availability. Anything you find can be booked directly online and is relatively easy.
Are you going to take advantage of these opportunities?
Featured image courtesy of Etihad Airways.
What’s the cheapest Etihad First Class from Europe to USA (routing through Middle East). I get that Milan is an option direct to USA.