Understanding how to best use points and miles is a game with many complexities. But learning how to use them to earn the most and also get the best redemptions is extremely important. In the US, finding first class seats on flights for less than 25,000 one-way is not very easy, unless the flights are short. Let’s take a look at five routes we found with first class availability this month.
1
Alaska Airlines
Seattle – Las Vegas
Alaska Airlines’
Mileage Plan
program has fixed award rates. For flights between 701 and 2,100 miles, first class can be booked starting at 25,000 miles one-way. But sometimes, the airline has sales, and flights are available for even less. For example, a search on the route from
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
(SEA) to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in November shows several flights starting at 20,000 miles in first class.
As seen in the screenshots above, the outbound leg from Seattle is on November 12, and all five of the nonstop flights that day can be booked for 20,000 miles. Returning on November 20, the airline has six nonstop flights from Las Vegas to Seattle, and four of them are available for 20,000 miles.
In the United States, transferring points to Alaska Airlines is not easy, as Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One, and American Express are not transfer partners with the airline. Marriott Bonvoy transfers points to Alaska at a 3:1 ratio, which is not the best. So, one of the best ways to redeem points with Alaska is through BILT, one of the new rewards programs that has the airline as a partner and allows cardholders to earn miles through paying rent.
2
American Airlines
Dallas/Fort Worth-Springfield
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
(DFW) is American Airlines’ largest hub. From there, AA flies to more than 30 countries, offering passengers numerous options for nonstop flights. Mileage redemptions through the airline’s AAdvantage program vary, and finding domestic first class seats can be difficult.
One example of a route with rates under 50k roundtrip is from DFW to Springfield Aiport (SGF) in Missouri, a perfect connecting point to the City of Branson. It is a family-friendly tourist destination in the Ozarks in Missouri, famous for its theme-parks and theaters. In September, American has first class seats available for less than 20,000 miles one-way.
As shown in the screenshots above, the departing flight from DFW is on September 18, with the cheapest option starting at 36,000 miles round trip. The outbound leg is nonstop on a Mitsubishi CRJ-900, while the return is a two-leg itinerary. The first flight is on a CRJ-900 to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), while the second is back to DFW on an Airbus A321neo. One nonstop option is available for a 39.5k roundtrip.
3
Delta Air Lines
Detroit-New York
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) has been a Delta Air Lines hub since 2009, following its merger with Northwest Airlines the previous year. Today, the Atlanta-based carrier flies to more than 15 countries from its Michigan hub, including destinations in both Europe and Asia. The airline recently introduced a new domestic first class product on its Airbus A321neo aircraft that is highly coveted and has elevated its passenger experience.
Finding a roundtrip first class fare for less than 50,000 miles is a bit of a challenge. In September, we found a fare from DTW to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for 40,000 SkyMiles roundtrip. The outbound date we chose was September 18, and the return date was September 25.
Between the two cities, Delta operates both mainline and regional flights, often deploying the Boeing 717 and the CRJ 900. Despite the flight being short, according to the Delta website, the airline does serve a meal in the first class cabin.
4
Delta Air Lines
Seattle-San Francisco
Seattle Tacoma International Airport is one of Delta’s crucial West Coast hubs, offering connections to Alaska, Hawai’i, and many other parts of the country. The Atlanta-based airline has the second-largest market share in Seattle, trailing Alaska Airlines, which is headquartered there. In addition to its domestic flights, Delta connects to several Asian cities from Seattle, as well as some in Europe.
In October, Delta has domestic first class seats available for less than 25,000 miles roundtrip. It is important to note that on this route, Delta has mainline and regional services and the service will vary. The seats on the different aircraft types vary, and there are meals offered on regional flights but not on the mainline flight that day.
On October 8, most of the flights are operated by SkyWest, but there is one late-night nonstop that is a mainline flight, operated by the Boeing 737-900ER. Both regional and mainline flights are available for 23,000 miles. On the return leg, on October 16, the first flight of the day is operated on the -900ER, and breakfast is served. In total, the trip costs 23,000 miles and $12 in taxes.
5
Hawaiian Airlines
Honolulu to Kahului
Hawaiian Airlines, which started by transporting passengers between the islands nearly 100 years ago, still does that today. Although the airline has expanded to a global reach, island hopper flights are a crucial part of its operations. The Boeing 717 is the workhorse for these routes, and Hawaiian remains one of a few carriers to operate the type.
Hawaiian Miles, the airline’s frequent flier program, has flights available from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu to Kahului Airport in Maui for 15,000 miles one-way in first class. The first class seat on the 717 is similar to domestic first class seats on the mainline carriers’ narrowbodies, but as the flight is so short, Hawaiian does not offer meals. According to its website, the airline provides a complimentary snack and beverages.
When searching for a first class roundtrip, Hawaiian first shows a mixed itinerary for 22,500 miles. The outbound leg from Honolulu is 15,000 miles, while the return leg in the main cabin is 7,500. But, after selecting the outbound leg, the website shows other options for 30,000 miles roundtrip.