American Express Membership Rewards added Qantas as its latest airline transfer partner. That news is spectacular to me personally for many reasons, but for one reason in particular.
First, points will transfer on 1:1 basis with no federal excise tax. That’s great. I also love that Qantas offers a number of exotic partners like Air Vanuatu, Air Niugini, and WestJet.
But I’m most excited about the chance to finally try out EL AL’s new 787-9 business class for a reasonable price. I’ve been wanting to take my wife and son to Israel for quite some time. I’ve been wanting to take my father and uncle to Israel for an even longer time. Since I don’t have CITI credit cards (beyond AA co-branded cards), my only option–until now–was a transfer from American Express to Matmid, EL AL’s frequent flyer program. That’s simply a horrible deal for premium cabin awards. Now I can redeem with Qantas for a far better buy.
A one-way ticket between Los Angeles and Tel Aviv is:
- 56,000 miles in economy class (not a great deal)
- 84,000 miles in premium economy class (ok, but not especially great deal)
- 104,000 miles in business class (a very good deal)
A one-way ticket between New York and Tel Aviv is:
- 42,000 miles in economy class (ok deal)
- 63,000 miles in premium economy class (ok deal)
- 78,000 miles in business class (a very, very good deal)
CONCLUSION
There are many interesting new award booking potentials now that Qantas is an American Express transfer partner. I’ll explore those more in future posts. But I am very excited to see that EL AL premium cabin bookings are now much more within reach that they were yesterday!
How’s LY premium award availability? What’s the best way to search? Thanks!
You can use the Qantas tool.
Where do you find the Qantas tool on the Qantas website?
Once you found it what are the steps to search for EL Al flights?
I have tried looking for but couldn’t find anything.
Thanks
The EK rates are pretty fair too.
I always thought flying blue at like 50k Miles was the best deal.
Very good availability from Bangkok to Tel Aviv, including the peak season. I’m doing that and then on to Vienna, also on El Al ( but only one of the two daily ex BKK flights is on the 787). Low taxes/ fees.