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Some people sigh at the thought of flight connections- but those people certainly aren’t talking about a first class connection through Bangkok. Thai Airways offers an incredible first class experience from start to finish, with top notch on board suites, full hour massages in their world class Bangkok lounge an of course, some Dom Perignon to celebrate. Taking in all of that for just 40,000 points? That’s a bargain…

a bridge over water with a building and a bridgeUnited Charges Just 40,000 Points Between Southeast Asia and Australia In Thai First Class. You Can Start In Either Direction…

Covering the recent United award chart devaluation, Live and Let’s Fly highlighted perhaps one of the greatest redemptions left out there… for now. Until November 1st, you can book these incredible first (nope, not even just business class) flights on Thai Airways for a mere 40,000 United points one way. Taxes and fees? Just 65 bucks. You can start in Asia or Australia, and enjoy 12 hours of blissful first class on board a 747. To be infinitely clear: you must book, not fly before November 1st 2017…

a room with tv screens and seatsSo, What Exactly Do You Get For This 40,000 Points?

Well, a lot. Cities like Hong Kong are considered Southeast Asia, so you can depart from a world class destination-in first class, enjoying a fully private suite. But that’s just the beginning- arrival in Bangkok is an incredible experience, with some of the best curries in the world (if you’re into that sorta thing), a full one hour massage, private sitting rooms and occasionally even golf cart service through the airport! Of course we haven’t even touched the 9 hour flight down to Australia, once again in First Class-with some of the best service in the sky, Dom Perignon and all the other fixings…

a city with many buildings and a city skylineThis Is Amazing. How Do You Book?

Unlike many of the very best tricks with miles, there’s no magic needed here. You can book Thai Airways flights directly on United.com, simply by searching using miles. If there’s space available in First Class using United miles, you’ll see it directly on the site, and can get it all done online, in one sitting.

a city skyline with many tall buildingsBut What About Getting To Asia?

One of our favorite travel moves is to embed a trip within a trip. If you had Asia on the bucket list, why not use it to create a 2 in 1 trip, including Australia too? After all, for most readers, getting to Asia is not something you’re going to be able to do all the time. Two in one trips turn connections and stopovers into exciting “around the world” trips, and maximize your tight vacation days. Just a thought!

Gilbert Ott

Gilbert Ott is an ever curious traveler and one of the world's leading travel experts. His adventures take him all over the globe, often spanning over 200,000 miles a year and his travel exploits are regularly...

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8 Comments

  1. They don’t have A380 to Australia though. I tried searching and could only find 747 which doesn’t have suites. Any suggestions?

    1. Hey Zaib, many of the 747’s do have suites actually. Many people would argue-nicer than the 380!

  2. Nice! Anyway to find out which 747 has suites at the time of booking? I would hate to waste my trip
    Thanks in advance

  3. How do I transfer MR to united? Amex UK doesn’t have united as a partner, but amex USA does. Another bummer for the UK. Low sign up points on cards, not enough useful partners, failing currency. What next?!

    Anyway, any suggestions on how to transfer points to untied?

  4. Is it the same for the UK / EU to BKK ?
    I HAVE 30K SPG points and was going to get the CC for another 10k THEN add a load of Amex MR points so I could get a Marriott hotel + Avios deal but this looks a good use of 40k SPG and I get to keep my Amex MR points for something else.

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