Top Business-Class Seats to Reserve with Amex Membership Rewards Points

Accumulating American Express Membership Rewards points is a breeze, thanks to attractive welcome bonuses and high earning rates on various American Express cards. However, while earning points is straightforward, redeeming them for optimal value (and comfort) can be quite a challenge.

To maximize the value of your Amex Membership Rewards points, it's often best to transfer them to an airline or hotel partner and then use those points or miles within that program. In this guide, we'll explore some of the finest business-class offerings you can book through these partners.

Qatar Airways

The Qsuite from Qatar Airways is undoubtedly one of the finest business-class experiences available globally. These award-winning suites are roomy and provide significant privacy thanks to their sliding doors. Additionally, if you’re traveling with a companion and choose the two center seats nearest each other, you can convert them into a side-by-side double bed — a unique feature in business class.

In a move that keeps them ahead of the curve, the airline will soon offer caviar (a luxury typically reserved for first class) in business class on select routes, along with a new and upgraded Qsuite 2.0 on the forthcoming Boeing 777X aircraft.

Qsuite is available on certain Boeing 777-200LRs, Boeing 777-300ERs, Airbus A350-900s, and all Airbus A350-1000s. These aircraft operate flights from the airline's hub at Doha's Hamad International Airport (DOH) to U.S. destinations such as New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Miami International Airport (MIA), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), and more. Don’t worry if your flight doesn’t feature a Qsuite-equipped aircraft, as you'll still benefit from excellent amenities and restaurant-quality cuisine.

How to Reserve

As a member of the Oneworld alliance, Qatar Airways allows you to transfer Amex points to either Qatar Airways Privilege Club or British Airways Executive Club at a 1:1 ratio. You can book a Qsuite from the U.S. to Doha for just 70,000 Avios each way per person, which is a fantastic deal for up to 15 hours in such a luxurious cabin.

You can make reservations through both programs online; however, be aware that adding connecting flights will raise the cost, as both airlines charge based on each segment.

All Nippon Airways

Another exceptional business-class option is ANA's The Room. These seats provide outstanding privacy with closing doors and boast impressive spaciousness, measuring 38 inches in width. TPG's Zach Griff even described it as the gold standard for the industry. The downside is that it’s currently only available on select Boeing 777-300ERs traveling from Tokyo to destinations like New York and Los Angeles.

While business-class seats on ANA's other long-haul planes lack doors, they still provide direct aisle access. Passengers will experience ANA's renowned service and exquisite cuisine. In addition to standard bedding, which includes a pillow and comforter, business-class travelers can also look forward to a mattress pad and slippers on all long-haul flights.

How to book

ANA's Mileage Club program partners with Amex at a 1:1 transfer ratio, and there can be award availability on the airline's routes within the U.S. Mileage Club members get priority for seats before partners, making it wise to book well in advance, possibly a full year ahead. Round-trip business-class awards from the U.S. to Japan typically require between 100,000 and 110,000 miles, depending on the season, plus approximately $500 in taxes and fees. Unfortunately, one-way redemptions are not available through this program, as bookings must be round-trip.

If you need a one-way ticket on ANA, consider booking through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club for 52,500 miles each way from the West Coast or 60,000 miles from the East Coast, but be sure to call to confirm these reservations.

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines received its first A350-1000 in December 2023 and has an additional 12 on order. The airline is expanding its fleet with A350-900s, which are primarily used for domestic flights.

The JAL A350-1000 features a brand-new business-class seat, recognized as the best in its fleet and definitely worth booking with points and miles. Each aircraft includes 54 business-class suites arranged in a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring direct aisle access and lie-flat seating.

Passengers can look forward to exceptional service, beautifully crafted Japanese cuisine, and the opportunity to sample sake while in the air.

This innovative product boasts 52-inch-tall sliding doors, 24-inch entertainment screens, headphone-free speaker technology integrated into the headrests, and wireless charging pads located in the side consoles. JAL operates this new offering twice daily between JFK and Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND), as well as daily flights from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to HND. Future plans include routes to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR), although a specific date for that has yet to be announced.

How to book

You can reserve Japan Airlines business class seats through Amex transfer partners like Cathay Pacific Asia Miles and British Airways Executive Club. For travelers from the West Coast of the United States to Japan, British Airways offers the most economical option.

In business class, you'll need only 77,250 Avios each way per person when using British Airways, while Asia Miles requires a bit more at 89,000 miles. For routes from the Midwest and East Coast, both programs have similar pricing, with Asia Miles at 93,000 miles and British Airways at 92,750 Avios.

Singapore Airlines

Experiencing business class on Singapore Airlines is always a delight, regardless of whether you're aboard the A380 equipped with the airline's newest and finest seats. The long-haul aircraft boast elegant business-class cabins arranged in a 1-2-1 layout with fully flat beds.

Passengers in business class can take advantage of the renowned "Book the Cook" service, allowing them to preorder delectable meals — such as the much-loved seafood thermidor — from an extensive selection of over 60 dishes.

If you're fortunate enough to fly on the A380 featuring the airline's latest business-class offering, you can opt for a double bed with your companion by choosing two seats in the cabin's center section.

How to book

Securing business-class award tickets on long-haul Singapore Airlines routes can be tricky, as these can only be booked through Singapore's KrisFlyer program. Thankfully, this isn't an issue for those with cards that earn Amex Membership Rewards points or other major transferable rewards like Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Citi ThankYou Rewards points, and Capital One miles, since points can be transferred to KrisFlyer at a 1:1 ratio.

If you prefer not to travel all the way to Asia (or perhaps lack sufficient Amex points), consider one of the airline's fifth-freedom flights from the U.S. For just 81,000 miles each way in business class, you can journey from JFK to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) or from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Manchester Airport (MAN), where Saver (lowest) availability can be found.

However, you might be able to reduce this cost significantly through the airline's regular Spontaneous Escapes promotion, which can offer flights for as low as 56,700 miles.

The airline also provides flights from Los Angeles to Narita International Airport (NRT) with Saver rates available for 103,500 miles.

In conclusion, Singapore Airlines offers a variety of nonstop flights from U.S. airports to Singapore. Below are the Saver business-class award rates:

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): 107,000 miles
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): 107,000 miles
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): 107,000 miles
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): 111,500 miles
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): 111,500 miles

Additionally, you can opt for the airline's Advantage awards on these routes, which offer greater availability but come with significantly higher award rates.

Air France

In May 2022, Air France introduced its latest business-class offering featuring sliding doors that transform a seat into a private suite. The airline is in the process of equipping 12 of its Boeing 777-300ERs and some of its new Airbus A350-900s with this upgrade.

If you manage to secure a bulkhead seat in Row 1 or 9 on the Boeing 777, you'll find that these special seats feature large, open bench-style padded areas instead of the usual small foot cubbies. This design enhances the sense of space, making them some of the most spacious business-class seats available on any airline.

France is celebrated for its exquisite cuisine, and the meals offered by its national airline reflect that reputation. The airline collaborates with chef Dominique Crenn to curate business-class menus for flights from the United States. These multicourse meals include an amuse-bouche, salad, main course, cheese course, and dessert, all paired with fine wines and Champagnes chosen by sommelier Xavier Thuizat.

How to book

Air France-KLM's Flying Blue program is a 1:1 transfer partner of Amex. Fares fluctuate based on demand, meaning they can be pricey during peak travel periods. However, during off-peak times, you can find business-class tickets from the U.S. to Europe starting at just 50,000 miles, which is an excellent value for such a high-quality experience.

Nonetheless, be prepared to pay a few hundred dollars in taxes and fees.

You might save some miles by taking advantage of Flying Blue's Promo Rewards, which offers a changing selection of cities at discounted award rates to Europe. Recently, we noticed business-class tickets to various European destinations for under 40,000 miles each way.

Earning Amex points

To enhance your Membership Rewards balance, consider adding these Amex cards to your wallet. Just be aware that Amex follows a once-per-lifetime policy for welcome offers.

You might even receive a targeted higher welcome offer on the Amex Platinum or Amex Gold via the CardMatch tool. Keep in mind that CardMatch offers can change at any time.

Final thoughts

American Express Membership Rewards points provide great flexibility, allowing you to enjoy some of the finest business-class experiences with minimal cash outlay. The options discussed in this article are just a few of our favorites, with many more excellent choices available, including those with Cathay Pacific and Emirates.

While points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to all the partners mentioned, this isn’t true for every Amex partner. It’s also quite common to find transfer bonuses that can increase your value by an additional 30% or more, giving you even more bang for your buck.