From the easiest to the most complicated: how to book a First Class ticket using "Italian" points
Making the most of points means indulging in experiences that are financially hard to come by, and a first-class ticket is [...]
Making the most of the points means. Indulge in economically hard-to-reach experiences and a first class ticket is one of those "once in a lifetime" crazes that can be worth it. On this site I have reviewed over 10 first class cabins and I helped dozens of readers redeem these tickets, so I decided to make my own ranking in terms of ease of booking among the various companies that offer this cabin.
In this article:
Flying Blue is the currency that allows more first-class tickets to be redeemed with partners, but beware that the game is not always worth the candle.
Because I'm talking about "Italian" points
It may seem superfluous, but as I have explained many times the points game has different rules in each country. This means that in the US certain strategies can be done, while in Italy they cannot. The same is true if we compare reward travel in Germany with France or England. Of course, this concerns the nationality of the credit card and not that of the passenger.
The easiest first class to book by far is Emirates'
There are three different products that Emirates offers. There is the first class on theA380 the one that among the options offers a shower. Aesthetically it is the same as the vast majority of 777s, but in this case you will not have the amenities of the A380. Then there is the Gamechanger i.e., the suite found on very few 777s and which is used on equally exclusive routes.
Booking a first ticket requires nothing more than having a number of Skywards miles sufficient to redeem the reservation, I have explained in several articles how to search for and book an award ticket with Emirates and also because of the almost immediate transfer of points from Membership Rewards to the Emirates card is so easy and really takes very few minutes to go from "would like" to "got." If I had to give a grade to Emirates I would say 10/10.
Singapore defends itself well, but it's expensive
At the moment Singapore Airlines first class video is the most viewed video on my channel, has well exceeded 200 thousand views and inspired dozens of readers to attempt the madness To redeem this ticket. The real problem is that this ticket costs so much, but if you are willing to sacrifice a good chunk of Krisflyer miles then it is doable.
Beware, however, that the double bed and A380 amenities are not found if you book a seat on a 777, so before you get caught up in the joy of it, check well with which plane the route will be operated. If you want to find the seat, or seats, you have to move well in advance, for example today there are two seats on a lot of flights to Australia next November. Then of course there is also the waiting list option which can be a plan B to take advantage of to get this ticket at an "affordable" price.
Qatar, easy but is it worth it?
Then there is Qatar's first class, which certainly does not live up to its reputation, but which brings with it the possibility of accessing at the First Class lounge in Doha, one of the best in the world. At the level of prize places Qatar is really generous.
Sometimes it's even cheaper to fly first class than business, of course always talking about a payment through points, where you only pay taxes. Just on the subject of surcharges QR is among the least expensive on the planet, even when it comes to first-class tickets.
If you have Miles&More Lufthansa is within reach (but watch out for fees)
Lufthansa has begun its transition to Allegris, first class has started to fly and from next spring. tickets are bookable by everyone, cash or points. The benefit for those who earn miles in the Miles&More loyalty program is the ability to book first-class tickets on board LH or Swiss a year in advance.
Of course the transition will not be quick, and some machines will not see the new cabs, or because they will go to waste and be Turned into key chains, home decor furniture or solidarity recycling or because for structural reasons the new chairs cannot be installed.
Air France's Premiere: beautiful and (almost) unattainable
No one will treat you like Air France, no one will make you feel special like Air France, no one will make your life impossible if you want to book this ticket with Air France.
If you haven't seen this video yet, don't. Better not to know than then not to be able to book this ticket with points.
Air France also sometimes makes all available seats available to be booked with points, something that objectively no one does.
Even better Is the only one in the world that discounts award tickets (of First Class) to children, as on all other places on board. The only big problem is that in order to book this ticket, you have to be a Platinum Flying Blue level holder, which is the penultimate rung on the pyramid of Air France KLM's loyalty program.
ANA, from Italy (practically) impossible
All Nippon Airways' first class is one of those experiences for a few, the price is unapproachable for 99 out of 100 passengers, and I, needless to say, enjoyed it solely and only because of the points. Booking it from Italy is complicated, but not impossible. You can go through Virgin Atlantic points or Aeroplan points, but they are not American Express partners so it is not easy to have the necessary nest egg without alternative strategies, How to buy points for booking.
Those where NOT to waste points
My advice is to DO NOT waste points to book this ticket with British Airways, American Airlines, Kuwiat Airways and Saudia. The reason is simple. British Airways and American Airlines offer a product that I would call "Premium Business" rather than First Class, in the case of Saudia and Kuwiat I say a first without champagne is like going to Gardaland alone with a 90 cm tall child.
In conclusion
Using points to book a ticket that otherwise costs as much as 10,000 is one of those experiences that repays you from all the effort you put into accumulating the miles. Of course it's not for everyone, but it's one of those things that you can then tell friends and family about by convincing them to Apply for the right card and thanks to "introduce a friend" Making points for the next dream trip.
