Guides for Flying to Southeast Asia Using Rewards and Travel Miles [Detailed Instructions]
In the realm of travel, Southeast Asia has long been a captivating destination, with its picturesque scenery and vibrant cultures attracting tourists from around the world. However, for many American travellers, reaching this region has not always been as easy as it could be. Fortunately, the world of frequent flyer programs offers a solution to this dilemma.
This article will delve into the best frequent flyer programs to focus on when booking award flights between the United States and Southeast Asia. We will explore the strengths of each program, highlight notable partners, and discuss award pricing and notable features.
| Frequent Flyer Program | Strengths | Notable Partners | Award Pricing/Notes | |-----------------------|------------|------------------|---------------------| | **American Airlines AAdvantage** | Excellent for partner awards, particularly with Oneworld partners, consistent award chart for partner flights | Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines | Partner awards to Southeast Asia region 2 start from 35,000 miles one-way; partner awards not subject to dynamic pricing unlike American's own flights; no stopovers allowed on awards[2] | | **Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer** | Easy to earn miles via point transfers (e.g., Amex), good for economy tickets to Southeast Asia | Singapore Airlines | Best program overall for economy flights to Southeast Asia; miles easy to accumulate from credit card transfers[1] | | **Delta SkyMiles** | Good for Korean Air flights from Chicago and U.S. West Coast | Korean Air | Award prices for Korean Air flights from West Coast start at 72,000 miles + $93 fees; variable pricing; higher prices from some U.S. hubs (e.g., Atlanta)[1] | | **Virgin Atlantic Flying Club** | Easy to earn with frequent transfer bonuses; good Korean Air redemption options | Korean Air | Good option for Korean Air award flights[1] | | **Flying Blue (Air France/KLM)** | Easy mileage earning with major bank transfers and frequent transfer bonuses; low out-of-pocket fees | Korean Air (via SkyTeam) | Good option for Korean Air flights to Southeast Asia, especially via U.S. West Coast and Chicago[1] | | **Cathay Pacific Asia Miles** | Good value for premium cabin flights, especially departing West Coast; miles easily earned from major credit card transfers | Cathay Pacific | One-way premium cabin awards are a sweet spot; miles transferable 1:1 from several programs[4] |
Choosing the best program depends on your preferred route, departure city, and cabin class, with many finding the greatest award availability and value by leveraging multiple programs and partners strategically. For instance, American Airlines AAdvantage and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer are often considered top choices because of their broad partner networks and easier-to-understand award pricing. Delta SkyMiles, Virgin Atlantic, and Flying Blue are especially valuable for Korean Air flights from the U.S. West Coast or Chicago. For premium cabins, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles offers compelling redemption options departing from the West Coast[1][2][4].
When it comes to ANA, their mileage scheme may be complex, but those who take the time to learn the ins and outs of ANA Mileage Club will reap the rewards of very cheaply priced award flights. Business class between the U.S. and Asia 2 (Zone 4) on ANA can cost as little as 137,000 - 204,000 ANA miles. Additionally, ANA is a member of Star Alliance, so you can fly to Southeast Asia on partner airlines like United Airlines and EVA Air.
Transfer partners like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards can help build balances quickly for these redemptions. For example, American Express Membership Rewards offers up to 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership, while the American Express Gold Card offers up to 100,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership.
In summary, this guide aims to help travellers navigate the world of frequent flyer programs to find the best value for their points and miles when booking award flights between the U.S. and Southeast Asia. By understanding the strengths, partners, and award pricing of each program, you can make informed decisions and maximise your travel experiences.
- Leveraging the strengths of various frequent flyer programs, such as American Airlines AAdvantage, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Delta SkyMiles, Virgin Atlantic, Flying Blue (Air France/KLM), and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, can effectively reduce the cost and complications of traveling between the United States and Southeast Asia.
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is a desirable program for earning miles via point transfers and is considered the best for economy flights to Southeast Asia due to its ease of mile accumulation.
- Frequent flyer programs offer attractive redemption options for business and premium cabin flights, with Cathay Pacific Asia Miles offering some of the best value, especially on departures from the West Coast.
- Transferring points from credit card programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards can help build balances quickly for award flight bookings, ensuring that travelers can maximize their experiences and make the most of their points and miles.
