Questions and Answers

Hi,

I’m heading from Tampa to Sydney in Feb- March (Feb 27-March 24) and am looking at the best options for business/first class using either Delta, Amex rewards, or American miles. My major requirement is a lie-flat bed.

Who has the best product? What should I look for? I did basic searches on Delta and AA and could only see basic routings. I’m looking at other options. Stopovers would also be cool.

Thanks!

I forgot, I also have Chase points

Both MRs and URs can be transferred to Virgin Atlantic (VS) and Virgin Atlantic points can be used on Virgin Australia (VA). I don’t know if VS can only see partner availability or not – because there’s no partner availability in business class. But if they can be used like VA’s own points then perhaps there is some space. I think you may have to log into the VA site to be able to see that as I couldn’t find a way to do that without creating a FF account on VA.

Delta does have availability on Feb 27 and March 24 on their own plane (seems the VA space has dried up) though it’s a whopping 175K each way in business class. But they do have lie-flat seats.

You can transfer MRs to Delta though there will be a fee associated with that since Delta is a US-based airline.

American is not showing any saver-level awards from LAX or SFO. You could route via Asia, though it will count as two separate awards.

Australia is a very difficult place to reach in a premium cabin, even if you look for seats as soon as the booking window opens, much less just 6 months in advance. Good luck!