Book now: Business-class awards for 4+ to Asia and beyond in the fall
It can be challenging to find even a pair of business-class award tickets on many long-haul flights from the U.S. to Asia. If you're looking to take your entire family on a transpacific trip, the degree of difficulty is magnified. As a result, it's always notable when an airline opens up premium-class award space for four or more travelers. Today, we're seeing that very thing.
South Korean-based (and Star Alliance member) Asiana Airlines currently has dozens of dates with at least four business-class award seats available from multiple U.S. gateways to its hub in Seoul (ICN). Only a handful of dates are showing in the spring and summer, but availability really opens up in the fall.
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Here's a rundown of what we're finding at the time of writing.
Los Angeles (LAX) to/from Seoul (ICN)
Asiana operates twice-daily flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Seoul (ICN), using a combination of Airbus A380s, A350s and Boeing 777-200LRs. At the time of writing, the following dates have at least four business-class seats available for award tickets:
LAX to ICN
- February 10, 12 and 24
- March 6
- July 8-9, 13-16, 19-21, 23, 25 and 28
- August 2, 11, 18-20, 22-27 and 29-30
- September 1-3, 5-10, 12-24 and 26-30
- October 7, 11, 13-15, 18-22, 24 and 26-30
- November 1-9, 11-13, 15-18, 20 and 23-30
- December 1-7, 29 and 31
ICN to LAX
- February 11, 19 and 21-22
- March 11
- April 1
- May 15-16, 18-20, 22-23 and 25-27
- June 1-2, 4-6, 9-11, 15, 17, 19, 22-25 and 28
- August 23, 25 and 30-31
- September 1-3, 5-10, 12-18 and 20-21
- October 6-7, 9-15, 17-22, 24-27 and 29-30
- November 1-4, 8-11, 16-19, 23-26 and 30
- December 1-17
Note that on some of these dates more than four seats are available on both of the daily nonstop flights:
Seattle (SEA) to/from Seoul (ICN)
The carrier's 5x-weekly service from Seattle (SEA) is operated by an Airbus A350 and it will shift to daily operation from March 27 through Oct. 24, 2020 — at which point it will shift back to 5x per week and change to a Boeing 777-200LR. Here are the dates that currently have at least four business-class awards:
SEA to ICN
- February 18-19, 21-22 and 25
- March 2-3, 9, 16, 18 and 23-24
- April 21, 24, 26-27 and 29
- July 14, 16, 22-23 and 26
- August 5 and 30-31
- September 1-4, 7, 13-17, 22, 24, 28 and 30
- October 13-14, 18-21, 23 and 27-28
- November 3, 10, 17-18 and 25
- December 1-2 and 29-30
ICN to SEA
- February 11, 14 and 26
- March 6, 10-11, 13 and 24
- May 13, 17, 20-21 and 26
- June 3, 7, 16, 21 and 23
- September 7, 9, 16-17 and 21
- October 6-8, 11-16, 19-23 and 26-27
- November 3-4, 9, 11, 16-17, 24 and 30
- December 1, 7-9, 14-16 and 22-23
Other gateways
We're not seeing similar award space on the carrier's other nonstop flights from the U.S. There are just three dates with four or more business-class awards on Asiana's once-daily flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Seoul. However, there are roughly three dozen dates with at least four business-class seats on one of United's daily nonstops on this route — mainly in July, August and September 2020. This would allow you to still utilize Asiana's connecting flights to other destinations across Asia.
It's a similar story on flights from New York-JFK to Seoul (and back). There are a handful of dates in February and March with 4+ awards available in business class, but it's not nearly as widespread.
However, if you only need two seats, the pool of available dates from JFK and SFO improves noticeably, so don't give up if you're just a pair of award travelers looking to fly into (or out of) either of those gateways.
Best ways to book
Since Asiana is a member of Star Alliance, you can use any participating airline's loyalty program to book these flights. For readers with transferable point currencies, there are likely four programs that would provide the best value:
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- ANA Mileage Club
- Avianca LifeMiles
- United MileagePlus
Here's a table that breaks down exactly how much you'd need for these flights, assuming you end your trip in Seoul:
| Program | Miles required | Credit card transfer options |
|---|---|---|
Air Canada Aeroplan | 75,000 miles one-way 150,000 miles round-trip | Amex Membership Rewards (1:1), Capital One (2:1.5) |
ANA Mileage Club | 95,000 miles round-trip (one-way awards not allowed) | Amex Membership Rewards (1:1) |
Avianca LifeMiles | 75,000 miles one-way 150,000 miles round-trip | Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One (2:1.5), Citi ThankYou Rewards (1:1) |
United MileagePlus | 80,000 miles one-way* 160,00 miles round-trip | Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1) |
*If you book the United flight from SFO-ICN, you'd only need 70,000 miles each way, but remember that booking awards through United within 30 days of departure will now require a 3,500-mile surcharge in each direction.
Aeroplan, Avianca and United will impose no fuel surcharges on these flights, but you'll still need to pay between $50 and $80 in taxes and fees. ANA Mileage Club will add roughly $350 in additional costs and force you to book round-trip, but for just 95,000 miles in total, that is probably the best option if you have Membership Rewards points to transfer. Just note that Amex transfers to ANA are not instant, so you may need to wait up to 48 hours for them to arrive.
RELATED: Redeeming Membership Rewards points for maximum value
If you do decide to connect — and are fine doing so in economy — you may find that Avianca LifeMiles would be best for a mixed-cabin award. The program will effectively discount your price for the fact that you aren't flying business class the entire way, so be sure to keep your eyes out for that when searching.
For more details on the best ways to use credit card points for these awards, check out the following guides:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.