Points or cash?
Our headline picks, then the verdict for every cabin we review.
Best business class with points
Qatar Airways Qsuite
Bookable with Avios through several programs at fair rates, and the product is class-leading.
Best first class with points
ANA The Suite
Partner award pricing has historically been exceptional for a door-equipped first suite.
Best business class with cash
Qatar Airways Qsuite
Frequent competitive fares from Europe and Asia for the best business seat flying.
Best first class with cash
Air France La Première
Nearly impossible on partner points, so cash is the realistic way in — and it's unforgettable.
| Cabin | Points | Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Airlines Business Class | Good value via KrisFlyer when Saver space opens; partners see far less inventory. | Rarely a bargain on cash — book only during promotional sales. |
| Singapore Airlines First Class / Suites | Outstanding redemption via KrisFlyer if you can grab saver space early. | Very poor value on cash — almost always better booked with miles. |
| Emirates Business Class | Weak redemption because of high surcharges — use only via partners like Alaska. | Often a solid buy on cash during sales, especially with chauffeur included. |
| Emirates First Class | Decent only if you value the shower experience — surcharges cut value. | Upgrade or sale fares from Europe can be surprisingly reasonable. |
| Qatar Airways Business Class (Qsuite) | Best overall business class to book with points via Avios (Qatar, BA, Iberia). | Very competitive cash fares from Europe and Asia make it a strong cash buy too. |
| Qatar Airways First Class | Worth it with Avios only when space appears — otherwise choose Qsuite. | Not worth cash — Qsuite gives most of the experience for far less. |
| Cathay Pacific Business Class | Strong option with Alaska or Asia Miles — good availability to Asia. | Watch for sales; otherwise average cash value. |
| Cathay Pacific First Class | One of the best first class redemptions with Alaska or Avios. | Poor cash value — save it for points. |
| ANA All Nippon Airways Business Class (The Room) | Top-tier value through Virgin Flying Club or ANA Mileage Club. | Moderate — premium cash fares rarely discounted. |
| ANA All Nippon Airways First Class (The Suite) | Arguably the best-value first class anywhere via Virgin Flying Club. | Rarely worth cash — points value is far better. |
| Air France Business Class | Good via Flying Blue Promo Rewards — check monthly deals. | Often competitively priced on cash for transatlantic routes. |
| Air France La Première | Very hard to book on points — only Flying Blue elites generally see space. | If paying cash for first, this is one of the most memorable experiences. |
| Turkish Airlines Business Class | Good value through Miles&Smiles or Aeroplan; space appears often. | One of the best cash buys in premium travel — very competitive fares via Istanbul. |
| Korean Air Prestige Class | Fair via Skypass or Delta SkyMiles, but surcharges and rising prices reduce value. | Average — look for sales to Asia via Seoul. |
| Korean Air First Class (Kosmo Suites) | Decent only with Skypass; partner access is rare. | Not worth cash — Prestige gives most of the comfort for far less. |
| Japan Airlines Business Class | Excellent value via Alaska Mileage Plan or AAdvantage. | Moderate — buy only during sales. |
| Japan Airlines First Class | One of the best first class redemptions via Alaska or AAdvantage. | Poor cash value — save it for miles. |
| Hainan Airlines Business Class | Weak — Hainan has few partner programs, so points options are limited. | Good cash buy — fares are often well below big-name carriers. |