Asia remains very closed off due to the pandemic. However, there are some experiments in opening up vaccinations in countries like Thailand and Singapore. It seems reasonable to expect that 2022 will be a lot more open to travel than it is right now.
Business class awards between the U.S.A and Asia can be locked in for one year starting now until the end of airline schedules. Cathay Pacific currently offers business class awards between the U.S.A and Hong Kong, for up to four passengers. This is available from several gateway cities in late spring or summer 2022. This will allow you to connect to many other parts of Asia from Hong Kong. And if youre uncertain what the future holds, American AAdvantage no longer has award cancellation/redeposit fees.
For four passengers in business class, heres San Francisco and New York JFK Hong Kong in June
There are four business class seats available for passengers flying from Chicago to other cities in June.
Alaska Airlines offers the best mileage deals. Alaska Airlines charges only 50,000 miles per way between the U.S.A and most of Asia on Cathay Pacific. If you need, Alaska Airlines flights can be included in your award. You can also have a stopover free of charge in Hong Kong.
American AAdvantage charges 70,000 Miles per way for business class. This includes connecting to Cathay Pacific flights and flights beyond Hong Kong. American and Alaska are both available in the U.S. You can also use other partners outside of Hong Kong.
Cathay Pacific's Asia Miles program will cost 70,000 miles for San Francisco to Hong Kong, and 85,000 for East Coast Hong Kong. If you travel further than Hong Kong, the award may be higher because it is distance-based.
Even if you are flying to Hong Kong with a program that adds fuel surcharges, it is unlikely to be a major expense. Depending on where you are going, some programs (except American AAdvantage and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan), will add fuel surcharges.
Cathay Pacific's program for Alaska and American miles is the best option if you don't have them. Cathay is available to American Express, Citibank, and Capital One customers. Chase points can be used to transfer to British Airways for bookings. Please note that Alaska Airlines does not always have every award seat Cathay Pacific has available.
