Questions and Answers

What would be – in your opinion – the best strategy to obtain 2 F class tickets from anywhere in the US (East coast preferred but all options considered) to Delhi, India?
I have enough Alaska miles to get Emirates one way and enough AA miles to get Cathay Pacific one way. Also have enough Chase points to be transferred to United. This reward is planned for 2017, so – plenty of time to earn more miles/points if needed.
But in terms of which airports and which routes would give me the best chance/best availability for reward – what would you recommend?

Tim, It’s almost impossible to forecast availability or routings this far in advance. EK is a solid option using AS miles. AA miles on CX will cost you two awards since you cannot transit to India via Asia 2 on one ticket so not ideal. UR to book through UA is not a bad option for travel on LH although you’ll likely have to book J and then try to upgrade if F space opens up ~14 days before departure. If you are okay with paying fuel surcharges you could also try to accumulate miles and more points to get access to F seats earlier. Barclays will offer a sign up bonus and you can transfer in SPG points at 1:1.25 when transferring blocks of 20k miles to make up the difference.