As an expat based in India for the most part of last decade, I have narrowed down on ways to effectively use miles to enjoy luxury vacations from the subcontinent without breaking the bank.
I hope everyone enjoyed my previous post about using American’s AAdvantage program on flights to and from India.
Despite the fact that there is no Oneworld partner airline based in India, I try to be loyal to both American Airlines as well as Alaska Airlines, two U.S. airlines that have fantastic award charts for those living in India. This might come as a surprise to some, given the diversity of frequent flyer programs out there, but stick with me. I would like to throw light on the Alaska Mileage Plan and the value it offers from the Indian Subcontinent.
Using Alaska Mileage Plan miles from India
Alaska Airlines is my second favorite frequent flier program after American AAdvantage when it comes to award travel. Its partner award chart offers fantastic value in both Coach and Premium cabin travels, particularly when used with top-notch partners like Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways and Qatar. Here are some exciting opportunities presented by Alaska Airlines for people based in the Indian Subcontinent.
India to Europe on Finnair (Added Recently)
Considering Europe is about seven to eight hours from India’s major cities, the rates from India to Europe are remarkable. Finnair award seats appear when using the ‘Use Miles’ search check box on www.alaskaair.com.
- Economy – 25,000 miles one-way
- Business Class – 45,000 miles one-way
India to Asia on Cathay Pacific
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5 comments
Hi what are the best options in business and First from US to India? Thanks
Very, very good article. I like collecting AA miles and Alaska miles respectively. Cathay Pacific has several flights to India from HKG but they don’t have First Class to India so you either get Business Class from USA-HKG-India the whole way, or you can pay for First Class from USA to HKG and then get Business Class to India. Same with JAL, no First Class to India.
AA normally has more access to JAL & Cathay First Class and Business Class than Alaska.
AA also has plenty of access to First Class or Business Class on either BA or AA to LHR and then LHR to India, but BA does have carrier imposed fees.
AA also partners with Etihad and Qatar airways which have great First Class seats.
True that!!! However, Cathay charges 70K Alaska miles for first class to India and 62.5K Alaska miles for its business class. I feel it is a no-brainer to spend the extra 7.5k miles for the superior first class product (better seat, service and an amazing lounge in HongKong)
“Note, I’ve very rarely seen Cathay open first class seats out of India.”
It’s not that they don’t open it, it’s that they typically don’t operate or sell it…
Great idea for booking a flight to India. Thank you!