Questions and Answers

Hi all,

I’m redeeming my Asiana miles for a first class ticket to China from New York (JFK-ICN-DLC and back) in late march. Unfortunately there is no availability for JFK-ICN on that day. I can either

1. redeem for Air China’s first class JFK-PEK-DLC (CA990), or
2. book a JetBlue ticket to LAX myself and then redeem LAX-ICN-DLC.

The good thing about flying Air China is that the timing is perfect. I can fly out of JFK at midnight and get a whole extra day to spend with family, while if I fly LAX I would have to depart the next morning and basically waste an extra day in the air. That said, I have heard a TON of bad things about CA’s horrible first class. It’s definitely way worse than Asiana’s first suite. Also I cannot emphasize how much I hate PEK. Would I be wasting my miles on Air China? I’ve never flown a long-haul first class before so this would be something really special. I don’t want Air China to ruin it. Is the timing convenience worth the sacrifice?

Thanks!

Have you checked availability for ANA’s First Class on the dates you need? They also fly to Dalian, and have an incredible onboard product!

And although it isn’t First Class, I’d also highly recommend EVA’s Business Class.

My take is that if you would have a chance to do a similar redemption in the future, I’d take convenience and fly Air China this time around. But if this is more like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to you, then I’d recommend to pick the First Class product that you think you would enjoy the most, whether that be Asiana, ANA, or another carrier.

Air China can’t compete with Asiana’s first, certainly, but it would still be a fine experience, and your time is worth something too!