How to Book First Class with Points in 2026: The Complete Guide
Booking first class with points is the holy grail of travel rewards. A first class ticket that costs $8,000–$20,000 can be yours for 70,000–120,000 points — delivering 10+ cents per point in value.
Best First Class Redemptions
1. ANA First Class (Virgin Atlantic)
| Route | Points | Cash Price | Transfer From |
|---|---|---|---|
| JFK–HND | 110,000 | $12,000 | Amex (1:1) |
| ORD–NRT | 115,000 | $10,000 | Amex (1:1) |
| LAX–NRT | 120,000 | $14,000 | Amex (1:1) |
Value per point: 9–12 cents
2. Lufthansa First Class (Air Canada Aeroplan)
| Route | Points | Cash Price | Transfer From |
|---|---|---|---|
| JFK–FRA | 70,000 | $8,000 | Amex (1:1) |
| ORD–MUC | 70,000 | $7,500 | Amex, Chase (1:1) |
Value per point: 10–11 cents
3. Emirates First Class (Emirates Skywards)
| Route | Points | Cash Price | Transfer From |
|---|---|---|---|
| US–DXB | 85,000–100,000 | $8,000–$15,000 | Amex, Chase (1:1) |
Value per point: 8–10 cents
4. Singapore Suites (KrisFlyer)
| Route | Points | Cash Price | Transfer From |
|---|---|---|---|
| JFK–FRA–SIN | 116,000 | $12,000 | Amex, Chase, Citi (1:1) |
Value per point: 8–10 cents
5. Qatar QSuite (Cathay Pacific Asia Miles)
| Route | Points | Cash Price | Transfer From |
|---|---|---|---|
| US–DOH | 90,000 | $6,000–$8,000 | Amex, Citi (1:1) |
Value per point: 6–9 cents
Points Required Comparison
| First Class Product | Points (One Way) | Best Transfer Partner | Transfer From |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANA First | 110,000–120,000 | Virgin Atlantic | Amex MR |
| Lufthansa First | 70,000 | Aeroplan | Amex MR, Chase UR |
| Emirates First | 85,000–100,000 | Emirates Skywards | Amex MR, Chase UR |
| Singapore Suites | 116,000 | KrisFlyer | Amex MR, Chase UR, Citi |
| Qatar QSuite | 90,000 | Asia Miles | Amex MR, Citi TYP |
Step-by-Step Booking Process
- Earn points: Get cards with 60,000–150,000 point bonuses
- Find award space: Use ExpertFlyer, PointsYeah, or airline websites
- Transfer points: Only transfer when confirmed space is found
- Book: Complete the booking through the partner program
- Pay taxes: First class taxes range from $100–$800
Tips for Success
- Book 330 days in advance when award calendars open
- Be flexible with dates and routes for best availability
- Use ExpertFlyer to set alerts for specific routes
- Check partner availability — ANA space shows on United, Lufthansa shows on Aeroplan
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need for first class to Europe?
Lufthansa First Class to Europe starts at 70,000 points one way through Air Canada Aeroplan.
Can I book first class with Chase points?
Yes. Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan for Lufthansa First Class and to Emirates for Emirates First Class.
What is the cheapest first class award?
Lufthansa First Class from the US to Europe at 70,000 points is the cheapest first class award available.
Is first class worth the points?
Yes — first class delivers 5–12 cents per point, far exceeding the 1–2 cents per point you'd get from economy redemptions.