If you’re dreaming of sipping champagne on your way to Istanbul, now might be your moment. Turkish Airlines just dropped a ton of business-class award availability, and you can snag a seat for as few as 65,000 miles. Let’s dive into the details because this one is worth jumping on before it disappears.
Business Class Bonanza
A few days ago, Mike was deep in the trenches, searching for Turkish Airlines award availability. Spoiler alert: He found absolutely nothing. Fast-forward to today, and it’s like the award gods have smiled down on us—Turkish has released a wide range of business-class seats from the U.S. to Istanbul.
The availability spans several U.S. cities, with most of the sweet spots between August and November this year. Whether you’re flying from New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, there’s a good chance you’ll find something that works. If you’re flexible, try mixing and matching dates and routes to score the best options.
Let’s Talk Routes and Costs
For this example, we’ll look at a New York (JFK) to Istanbul round-trip in Turkish Airlines business class. Here’s how much it’ll cost depending on which points program you use:
Turkish Miles & Smiles: 65,000 miles (lowest rate) + ~$218 in taxes/fees
Avianca LifeMiles: 69,000 miles + ~$29 in taxes/fees
Air Canada Aeroplan: 70,000 points + ~$56 in taxes/fees
United MileagePlus: 88,000 miles + higher taxes/fees (a weaker deal overall)
The best deal is booking directly through Turkish Miles & Smiles for 65,000 miles. However, if avoiding high taxes is a priority, Avianca’s 69,000-mile option is appealing with its low ~$29 in fees. But… Avianca’s customer service? Let’s just say it’s not winning any awards anytime soon.
For the best balance, Aeroplan is the Goldilocks option: 70,000 points, manageable fees, and a user-friendly system to manage changes or cancellations online. The slight bump in miles and fees is worth it for peace of mind.
How to Earn the Points You Need
Here’s the good news: transferring points to book these flights is super easy. Depending on which program you go with, here are your transfer options:
Aeroplan: Transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards, or Capital One Miles
Avianca LifeMiles: Transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, Bilt Rewards, or Capital One Miles
Turkish Miles & Smiles: Transfer from Citi ThankYou Points, Bilt Rewards, or Capital One Miles
Pro tip: Bookmark our Transfer Partners Cheat Sheet so you’ll always know which bank points go where. It’s a lifesaver!
Turkish’s Business Class Experience
Not all business-class cabins are created equal, and Turkish is consistently praised for offering one of the best in the skies. If you can, aim to book flights on their Airbus A350s or 787 Dreamliners—these feature their top-notch business-class seats. Expect lie-flat beds, gourmet dining, and attentive service that’ll make you forget you’re on a plane.
But honestly? Even on their older aircraft, Turkish still delivers a phenomenal experience. You’ll be treated to cozy seats, high-quality meals, and a service team that truly goes above and beyond.
Don’t Wait Too Long…
With deals like this, the word spreads quickly. Award availability may vanish before you know it, so start searching now if this route has been on your travel wish list. Whether you’re looking for a summer or fall adventure, Turkish Airlines has your ticket!
