Landing yourself a seat in first class is a sure way to set your holiday off in style but is not a luxury that is possible for the majority of holidaymakers.
In fact, some airlines have done away with first class suites altogether following reports that the elitist flying club is a dying trade.
As a result, the remaining airlines that do still offer such luxury for those passengers that can afford it, have gone above and beyond offering flyers an experience that they won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
At the end of last year Singapore Airline Ltd and Emirates Airline announced their brand knew extravagant suites fit with personal minibars and interiors inspired by Mercedes Benz but it will cost you – an upward of £5,700 ($ 8,000) to be precise.
But it is possible to fly in a personal suite without a four figure cheque. Here’s how on an economy budget.
Unfortunately such privilege is not available to first time, or less request flyers. To blag a premier seat for a fraction of the cost requires points, and quite a lot of them, from certain credit cards.
However, each airline requires a slightly different hack. Here’s what you need to know from a few of the top rated airline providers.
Emirates’ luxury suites can be booked with points from partnering reward cards including American Express Membership Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest.
A first class ticket between Dubai and Europe costs 85,000 miles worth of points and can be applied against the cost of a ticket.
A similar strategy is required when booking with Singapore Airlines but the only miles currency they use is their own – KrisFlyer.
However the good news is that they are partnered with American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest.
Air France la Première are notorious for their first class service but they don’t make it easier for travellers to upgrade.
When speaking to a flight attendant, Business Insider was told: “There are no upgrades to la Première” but there is a way into the club.
A basic level of elite status is required and this is possible to get within just a few months of travelling.
These can then be transferred into points from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Starwood Preferred Guest.
So with a bit of savvy points exchange it is possible to jet off in first class but there are a few points to watch out for.
When flying with Emirates taxes and surcharges on reward tickets can tally up to more than $ 1,000 and high redemption rates occur when booking with Air France from Paris to the US costing upwards of 200,000 miles.
