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Asiana Airlines Asiana Club is a very unique frequent flyer programme. Not only can you redeem Asiana miles for incredible flights (such as Lufthansa First Class for just 40k Starpoints from America to Europe), but they also partner with Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.. both of which, in my opinion, are amazing airlines.
A while back I wrote how it is possible to redeem 35k Starpoints for the Etihad First Class Apartment on the A380 between Abu Dhabi and London. Essentially, you transfer 35k Starpoints to Asiana and redeem 40k Asiana miles for the First Class flight.
Etihad A380 First
While it may take a few phone calls to locate Etihad space, Asiana’s agents are generally good about understanding who Etihad is and how to make a mileage booking for the partner flight. However, what is incredible is that Asiana Airlines does not impose fuel surcharges on Etihad redemptions. This means you can book the First Apartment for as little as 35k Starpoints (40k Asiana Miles) and ~$60 USD. Now that is an incredible deal. I would note that you should start from Abu Dhabi and fly to London to avoid the expensive UK taxes.. plus the flight is longer (around 7 hours).
What is interesting is that Asiana’s agents have been getting better and better. When I booked through them a year ago, I had to speak to several agents before they could help me. Yesterday, I redeemed miles for an Etihad flight that was ticketed by Asiana within 20 minutes.
Once again, we can see that Starpoints are the world’s most valuable currency. Just keep in mind the transfer from SPG to airlines is not instant – and that is what sucks since by the time the points transfer, the award space might be gone.
I’m really liking Asiana Club more and more…
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how do you check for Etihad award space?
You can check on Ethiad’s own website (without even creating an account, just click “Proceed Without Logging In” when prompted). You’re looking for “Guest Seat” availability. This works for American Advantage bookings, so I don’t see why it doesn’t apply to Asiana as well.
Do they allow mixing partners on one award? Like a QR flight with an EY flight?
Can I use Starpoints to fly Etihad Apartment from Dubai to Sydney?
*Abu Dhabi to Sydney
I don’t think any partner imposes surcharges on Etihad because Etihad no longer has them