TPG Readers’ Best Tips for Visiting the Middle East on Points and Miles
There's nothing quite like the Middle East, whether you're interested in visiting for its vast history and culture, delicious food, a chance to interact with the locals or to embark on an epic religious pilgrimage. It's a part of the world that's full of impressive modern cities, historic sites and incredible natural landscapes. And while the inevitable sensory overload may be a bit overwhelming at times, following these tips will help you have a more manageable, memorable adventure.
We recently asked our TPG Lounge members to share their best tips and tricks for visiting the Middle East on points and miles. Here's a look at some of our favorite answers. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity).
Saving With Star Alliance
When it comes to Star Alliance airlines, our TPG Lounge members are travel pros, using Aeroplan to score extra stopovers or finding sweet spots for award flights to the Middle East on Turkish Airlines, Aegean Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, among others.
"Aeroplan gives you two free stopovers if you want to hit three destinations for the same price." — Andrew D.
"From the United States to Israel, it's 45,000 miles for business class or 30,000 miles for economy class with Aegean miles." — Chaim G.
"Turkish Airlines for 45,000 miles in business class." — Michael B.
"We did an awesome two-person redemption via 320,000 American Express Membership Rewards points on Virgin Atlantic from San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR) to Dubai (DXB) in upper class the entire way. We also had access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LHR on both layovers." — Wade W.
"Turkish Airlines via KrisFlyer miles is a good option, as is Qatar Airways via British Airways Avios or American Airlines AAdvantage miles. As a Europe-based traveller, I'd put up with Turkish Airlines' surcharges since they do have a better business-class product than that of all of the European business-class options, plus they fly to more obscure destinations with just one stop." — Matthew T.
"138,000 KrisFlyer miles round-trip for business class, though it may have gone up slightly with the devaluation. The rate is not as good as it is with American Airlines, but you'll get up to three stopovers for $200. I booked [a flight from] Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (JED) to Houston (IAH) round-trip with stopovers in Delhi (DEL) and Singapore (SIN) on the way there and Manchester (MAN) on the way back." — Christopher B.
Onboard With Oneworld
From flying Royal Air Maroc to Jordan to having an unforgettable ride in Qatar Airways' magnificent QSuite, here are some of the ways our TPG Lounge readers have traveled to the Middle East aboard Oneworld carriers.
"70,000 miles from Los Angeles (LAX) to Doha (DOH) in a Qatar Airways QSuite." — Steve T.
"Royal Air Maroc from New York (JFK) to Casablanca (CMN) to Amman, Jordan (AMM)." — Patrick M.
"70,000 American AAdvantage miles for Qatar business class to Doha (DOH). 115,000 AAdvantage miles for an Etihad first class apartment to Abu Dhabi (AUH)." — Jeff K.
"Can't beat Los Angeles (LAX) to Tehran (IKA) for 70,000 miles in Qatar business class. Also [have flown from] Reno (RNO) to Mashhad, Iran (MHD) on Turkish Airlines with 42,500 United miles." — Amir R.S.T.
"What I've done many times to Israel is book economy on American Airlines to Milan (MXP) for 30,000 miles, then fly Easyjet for usually under 100 euros to Tel Aviv (TLV)." — Brian B.
"100,000 American Airlines miles for Etihad Apartments to and from Sydney (SYD) and Abu Dhabi (AUH). I also did Los Angeles (LAX) to Dubai (DXB) in first class on the same trip for 155,000 Emirates miles transferred from American Express. Both were insane deals." — Matthew C.
SkyTeam and Other Airline Combinations
Whether they're cashing in Alaska miles for a first-class Emirates flight or scoring a great one-way fare in business class — or economy (gasp!) — on a SkyTeam partner airline, our TPG Lounge members definitely know what they're doing when it comes to saving big on flights to the Middle East.
"I know 99% of TPG people fly in business, but I just grabbed Dubai (DXB) to Atlanta (ATL) one-way this morning on Delta for 42,500 miles." — Gail L.G.
"55,000 miles for A380 business class on Air France from Los Angeles to Paris to Tel Aviv." — Pranav M.
"Israel via British Airways using Alaska miles!" — Scott A.B.
"150,000 Alaska miles for first class on Emirates." — Dominic F.
Readers Helping Readers
We love it when our TPG Lounge members get so involved in a topic they end up sharing tips and tricks based on their own experience — especially when they use that knowledge to reassure other travelers that they're making the right redemption choices. That's what happened when TPG Lounge reader DeVere K. shared his upcoming flight plans.
"For 42,500 miles one-way, I just booked Washington, DC to Tel Aviv on United/Lufthansa, with a return trip via Ethiopian Airlines' business class for 85,000 miles, all using United MileagePlus miles." — DeVere K.
"First, that's a great deal! Second, do yourself a favor and try to change the United business-class award to Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines or TAP Air Portugal, in that order. That Ethiopian flight is a nightmare in my experience, and maybe the worst angle flat (not lie-flat) seats I've ever flown (post-2000). The food was gross and service was huh?" — Julian R.
"Oy! I originally did snag the TAP Air Portugal route from Washington, DC to Lisbon to Tel Aviv but then had to change it due to an event I'm attending. With Ethiopian Airlines, I'm taking a long layover in Addis Ababa, so [I'll have] a chance to see the city and tick off another country!" — DeVere K.
"In that case, have fun. Don't get me wrong, it's still way better than any economy or premium economy on any airline, and hardly a reason to complain." — Julian R.
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.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.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.