Score a First or Business Class Seat with Credit Card Reward Points: Here's How

1. Use Miles to Purchase a First Class Ticket

  • Booking a first or business class ticket with miles can be a great deal. Some airlines require only twice as many miles for a business class seat compared to an economy seat, even though the cash price difference is much higher.
  • Costs can range from 14,500 miles for a short domestic flight to 280,000 miles for a luxurious suite from New York to Sydney.
  • To book, simply select the ‘use miles’ option on the airline’s website. If you’re short on miles, some airlines allow you to pay with a mix of miles and cash or even purchase additional miles.
  • Pro Tip: Always compare the cost of buying miles versus purchasing the ticket outright to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

2. Use Miles to Upgrade from Economy to First Class

  • Upgrading with miles is possible, but experts caution that it may not always be the best deal. Many airlines require you to buy a higher fare economy ticket to be eligible for an upgrade, and the miles required for upgrades can be nearly as much as for a full award ticket.
  • If you bought your economy ticket with miles, upgrading might not be possible. However, if you paid with cash or used credit card points to purchase the ticket, you could still upgrade.
  • Pro Tip: Check your ticket’s fare class to see if it’s eligible for an upgrade. You may need to call the airline if you’re unsure.

3. Use Points to Purchase a First Class Ticket Through a Portal

  • Many banks and credit card issuers offer travel portals where you can use your points to book first class flights.
  • Transferring points to an airline often gives you more value, but booking through a portal has its perks, like earning frequent flyer miles and avoiding award seat limitations or blackout dates.
  • The number of points required corresponds to the cost of the flight, making it a flexible option for booking premium seats.