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Nerd Alerts: The Weirdest, Coolest Flight Deals Our Fellow Sickos Will Love

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We strive to find and send easy-to-book, useful, and valuable flight deals to our Thrifty Traveler Premium members every day. But for our fellow aviation geeks and self-professed “sickos,” we have something special: We call them Nerd Alerts. 

Nerd alerts are tailor-made for those who travel… differently. Want the heads up on when you can book an Etihad Apartment or Qatar Airways First Class, even if those flights don't touch U.S. soil? Happy to book within the last few weeks (or even days) if it means you can snag ultra-rare award space like flying ANA business class? Want to fly lie-flat for cheap, even if it's just for a quick two-hour flight within the Caribbean? Nerd alerts are for you.

These deals are all bucket-list-worthy experiences in the sky that you can book for cheap if you know where to look. And in some cases, it might be more about the journey than the destination. It's an exclusive feature of our Thrifty Traveler Premium service that members can turn off and on.

From incredible last-minute award deals to unique aircraft to some of the best seats in the world on routes wholly outside the U.S. and Canada, these are our best Nerd Alerts.
 

 

An Apartment in the Sky for 63K Points (or $597)

There's first class and then there's the Etihad First Class Apartment. Just look at this thing. Yes, that's on an airplane!
 

Etihad Apartment 

These ludicrously spacious first class seats are widely viewed as among the best in the world, firmly earning their place on the bucket lists of many aviation geeks. There's just one problem: Etihad only flies the Airbus A380 – the so-called Whale Jet – equipped with these Apartments on a handful of routes, including just one U.S. destination: New York City (JFK). And finding award availability to book these seats with points and miles is incredibly difficult. 

Your best bet at finding affordable award rates for The Apartment is on the on the routes between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and London (LHR) and Paris (CDG). When we sent this Nerd Alert to our Thrifty Traveler Premium subscribers, 63,000 American Airlines AAdvantage Miles was all you needed to make this apartment your home for a six-hour flight.
 

Etihad Apartment deal

 

Just a few weeks ago, we found the same seat flying to and from Mumbai (BOM) in India for just $593 each way, too. That's the cheapest fare for the Apartment we've ever seen, so we sent it as a Nerd Alert, too. 

 

Airfare between Abu Dhabi and Mumbai in first class

 

Qantas First or Biz Class from 95K Points

The coolest seats on the coolest plane on one of the coolest routes on earth. This deal…is cool. 

Qantas First Class is about as fancy as it gets in the sky, and that's especially so on the famous A380 double decker airplane. 

 

Qantas flyers in first class eating dinner inside a flight deal alert.

 

And to top it all off, this 14-hour flight is between South Africa and Australia, making it one of the most unique routes in the southern hemisphere, too. This one's really for the nerds, because you have to do a lot of work to get to either Sydney or Johannesburg, but this is an unforgettable experience to be sure. 

 

Deal Summary Fly Qantas Biz or First Class nonstop from Sydney to Johannesburg (or vice-versa). Qantas recently started flying its massive A380 on this 14-hour flight and award space is plentiful for peak season from November through March. We've flown biz class on the A380 and loved it! There's even a cool onboard lounge you can access when flying first or biz class. Read our review. Qantas First Class is a real treat. If you're traveling with a companion, you can request a face-to-face meal and you'll have access to the amazing First Class Lounge when departing Sydney. 48 What's Included: Lie-flat seats, priority boarding, checked bags, seat assignment, lounge access, comfy pajamas, gourmet meals, and champagne. The mattress pad in first class is extra thick making it one of the most comfortable beds in the sky. Book with Qantas Miles Qantas charges 95k miles each way in biz class or 143k in first. Taxes & fees total $272 departing SYD or $167 departing JNB. Transfer points from Amex Membership Rewards or Capital One (usually instant), or Citi (up to 48 hrs).

 

As you can see, you. an also snag business class on these routes for 95,000 points each way, too if you want to save a few points. 

 

Qantas fares for a flight between South Africa and Sydney

 

Emirates First Class for 53K Points (Or $940!)

From bottomless Dom Perignon and caviar in your private suite to an onboard bar and even a shower, flying Emirates First Class is one of the most incredible experiences you can have in the sky. Emirates outdid itself with its Gamechanger First Class suites featuring floor-to-ceiling walls for unparalleled privacy.

But finding an affordable way to book these ridiculously cool suites is elusive … unless you know where to look.

 

THRIFTY TRAVELER PREMIUM U.A.E. - Belgium for 102k miles each way was $7000 Dubai (DXB) - Brussels (BRU) Flying Emirates July - August Nerd Alert We're calling this a Nerd Alert because these flights are outside North America. This is a great opportunity to try the Emirates Game Changer this summer!

 

While it's nearly impossible to find Emirates First Class flights using points and miles to and from the U.S. for more than passenger, you can find it abroad. This year, Emirates is flying planes equipped with these Gamechanger suites to Brussels (BRU), and lo and behold…

 

Emirates F toBelgium

 

There are other flights where you can book Emirates first class for less, too. Including a strange one…
 

THRIFTY TRAVELER PREMIUM+ ZK EK216 Los Ameetes 1o Duts HISTORY OF THE EMIRATES Welcome e New Zealand to Australia for $940 Was: $2k Wanna shower on a plane and not pay $10k? Here's your chance! Flying Emirates' incredible A380 First Class (our review) from Christchurch to Sydney. This three-hour flight is one of the cheapest ways to experience Emirates First. Daily availability through July. Includes lie-flat beds in enclosed suites, access to the onboard shower & bar, caviar, lounge access, amazing meals, and bottomless Dom Perignon champagne. 

These normally $10,000 suites can be booked for less than $1,000 sometimes when you snag them on one of Emirates' unique fifth-freedom routes, like this one from Christchurch, New Zealand (CHC) to Sydney (SYD)!

These seemingly random routes that allow airlines to fly between two cities where the carrier itself isn't based can be a great way to fly some of the best seats in the sky – often for substantially less than what you'd pay on a “normal” route. Speaking of which…

 

SWISS First Class … in South America?

SWISS First Class suites are among the hardest to book in the world. Flying to and from its hub in Zurich (ZRH), you'll never be able to book it using points and miles.

That's why it pays to look far, far away from Switzerland if you've got these swanky first class suites on your bucket list. How about a flight within South America?
 

THAIFTY TEAVE熙R PREMIUM 20 Brazil to Argentina for 39k miles each way Was: $1500+ Fly Swiss First Class nonstop from São Paulo to Buenos Aires (or vice versa). This is one of the only ways to easily book Swiss's fancy first class with miles. Tons of availability through October. On some dates, the entire 8-seat cabin is available Includes lie-flat beds in enclosed suites, 32" monitors, first class meals, champagne, lounge access, and checked bags. Make sure to request a face-to-face meal with your companion. This three-hour flight is a fun (& nerdy) way to burn your miles. 

Sure, it's a short flight from São Paolo (GRU) to Buenos Aires (EZE). But you can't beat getting the full first class experience for just 39,000 miles each way. You could have easily transferred points from Chase or Bilt Rewards to United put yourself in one of these seats.

 

Cathay First Class on Air New Zealand?!

How about flying Cathay Pacific First Class with Air New Zealand between Auckland (AKL) and Melbourne (MLB) for just $490 each way?

If you need to read that again, I understand. Let's back up: Air New Zealand recently leased an old Cathay Pacific plane with these first class seats onboard. But because Air New Zealand does not have first class itself, they're pricing these luxurious pods much like business class seats instead.
 

THRIFTY TRAVELER PREMIUM New Zealand to Australia from $490 one-way Here's your chance to fly in one of Cathay Pacific's First Class seats . in Oceania! Air New Zealand is flying these newly leased aircraft between Auckland & Melbourne. Lowest fares on this aircraft are available on Sundays in February & March. You'll be booking Air New Zealand business class and paying a little extra to choose its "Business Preferred" seats, which are simply Cathay's first class seats on this 777. This means you'll get the same biz class service but a first class seat. 

Just $490 one-way would put you in what Air New Zealand is calling “Business Preferred.”  That's some insane value for an incredibly comfortable ride between Australia and New Zealand.

 

British Airways Club Suites for 15K Points!?

All but the nerdiest travelers will be surprised to hear British Airways flies a fifth-freedom route between the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands. Best of all, you can fly lie-flat for that short two-hour flight.

Flying in a bonafide business class suite doesn't get cheaper than this.

 

THRIFTY TRAVELER PREMIUM Bahamas to Cayman Islands O from 12k points each way 53 Nassau (NAS) - Grand Cayman (GCM) Flying British Airways September - July Nerd Alert We're calling this a Nerd Alert because these flights are wholly outside the U.S. This is a great way to try British Airways' Club Suites for a low price!

You can book British Airways' amazing Club Suites business class from just 15,000 points each way between Nassau (NAS) and Grand Cayman (GCM) and only $1 in taxes and fees. British Airways is a transfer partner of almost all the major banks – Amex, Chase, Capital One, and even Bilt.

That's the crazy value you can find on this hilarious fifth-freedom route, which gets you all the bells and whistles of business class travel, without the long flight.

 

Qatar First Class to Thailand and Australia

Qatar Airways is best known for its Qsuites Business Class, which is among the best in the sky. But did you know Qatar also operates a first class cabin on some routes?

While rare, Qatar First Class can be found on routes flying this leased Boeing 777 from Cathay Pacific. It's the same exact seat from that Air New Zealand I mentioned earlier, decked out in Qatar's signature maroon colors instead.
 

THRIFTY TRAVELER PREMIUM Qatar to Thailand from 50k points each way Was: $4k+ Fly Qatar's amazing First Class nonstop from Doha to Bangkok (or vice versa)! Flying its 777-300 (review) with availability for 2 passengers from April through mid-June, and late August - September. Not a bad way to spend 7 hours in the sky! This is one of the most exciting uses of miles. Hard to beat the awesome lounges on the ground as well as the amazing seats and service in the sky. Make sure to request a face-to-face meal with your travel companion! 

Best of all, you can fly this seat from Qatar's hub in Doha (DOH) to Bangkok (BKK), too! It might be the long way around the globe if you're trying to get to Bangkok from North America, but it's possibly the most stylish.
 

THRIFTY TRAVELER PREMIUM Qatar to Thailand from 50k points each way Was: $4k+ Fly Qatar's amazing First Class nonstop from Doha to Bangkok (or vice versa)! Flying its 777-300 (review) with availability for 2 passengers from April through mid-June, and late August - September. Not a bad way to spend 7 hours in the sky! This is one of the most exciting uses of miles. Hard to beat the awesome lounges on the ground as well as the amazing seats and service in the sky. Make sure to request a face-to-face meal with your travel companion! 

And if you have 50,000 American Airlines miles or 75,000 Qatar Airways Avios (which can be transferred in from Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, or from your British Airways Avios account), you can make one of these seats yours for that long haul flight.

Plus, on a different Qatar First Class route, you can also use your points to fly all the way to Perth, Australia (PER). 

 

THRIFTY TRAVELER PREMIUM Qatar to Australia from 100k miles each way was $9400 5? Doha (DOH) - Perth (PER) Flying Qatar Airways November - May (Best: Feb - Mar - Availability varies by miles used to book)

 

Just 100,000 American AAdvantage points is enough to book this seat … which is a lot better than almost $10,000!

 

ANA ‘The Room' Business Class

ANA's “The Room” Business Class is one of the best in the sky – maybe the best, period.

But it's hard to book, usually. Your only way to cross this one off the list from the U.S. is to book just a few days before departure. Plus, you'll have to pick one of the few routes where these latest-and-greatest suites are flying.

That's why we sent this unique flight deal flying from Asia back to the United States roundtrip. 

 

THRIFTY TRAVELER PREMIUM Malaysia to USA for $2139 R/T was $8000 53 Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to New York (JFK) Flying All Nippon Airways (ANA) September - December (Best: Oct - Nov) Nerd Alert This is a Nerd Alert because you must depart from Kuala Lumpur to book this incredible sale. These fares are well over 70% off normal pricing!

 

The pricing was so good that we had to send this. It would be worth it to book this fare and then either change or cancel your return flight or just keep pushing it out into 2025 and see if you can find a reason to go back to Asia! 

 

Deal Summary Incredible price to fly ANA's "The Room" business class from Kuala Lumpur to NYC! This deal only works for flights departing Malaysia - not the U.S. This is one of the cheapest fares we've ever seen to fly "The Room." Best availability in October - November. Book ASAP, this won't last long! These low fares require an overnight layover in Tokyo but these prices are worth your attention. Plus, it can be a good way to break up the long flight. You'll be aboard ANA's newer 777 equipped with "The Room" on the longer flights between Tokyo and NYC. We've flown in these suites before and think they're near perfection - read our review. Flights between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo are on a 787. Includes priority boarding, checked bags, lie-flat seats in an enclosed suite, fancy lounge access, business-class food, and champagne. Thrifty Tip: Amex Business Platinum cardholders get 35% points back when booked using Membership Rewards through Amex Travel, bringing it down as low as ~138k Amex MR points R/T after the rebate.

 

Japan Airlines Business Class One-Way or Last-Minute

We try to avoid sending our Thrifty Traveler Premium members last-minute flight deals. Typically, we're looking for something further out to help you plan more effectively.

But when seats like this become available – even at the last minute – we're going to send you a Nerd Alert about it.

 

Japan Airlines

 

The other reason a Japan Airlines flight would make our Nerd Alert list is if it's only available one-way, as was the case for these incredible new seats flying from Japan to Dallas (DFW) and New York (JFK). 

 

Japan Airlines business class seat in a flight deal "nerd alert"

 

Best of all, you can book these with some connections within Japan, too. So if your trip through Japan ends in a place like Hiroshima (HIJ) or Nagoya (NGO), you can simply book the connection home in business class, too. 

 

Japan Airlines first class fares

 

The best way to book these seats is using your American Airlines AAdvantage miles, because you only need 60,000 of them and $45 in taxes and fees to make these seats yours. Alaska miles, Finnair Avios (or British Airways), and Cathay Pacific miles will all get the job done, too. 

 

Singapore Airlines First Class (& Singapore Suites!)

Singapore Airlines is one of the best airlines in the world, renowned for its luxurious business and first class cabins. To fly to Singapore (SIN) in first class from the U.S. is a tough ticket to find: It's expensive and extraordinarily rare to book it using points and miles. 

But Singapore flies these seats all around the rest of the world. 

 

Singapore first class

 

If you want to fly between London-Heathrow (LHR) and Singapore, for instance, you can do so for 141,000 Singapore miles. That may seem like a lot – and it is! These seats are rare and expensive no matter what. 

 

Singapore First Class

 

And the same goes for Singapore's unbelievable Singapore Suites on the A380. Singapore Suites are like a flying hotel room with a double bed and two recliner chairs in a spacious, open room. It's the fanciest airplane seat in the sky, and the airline flies it on the flights between Singapore and India! 

 

Singapore Suites

 

Intra-Asia Business Class

Finally, there are also some super cheap ways to fly business class within Asia.

For travelers with Delta SkyMiles, the sneakiest best use of your points and miles might be intra-Asia business class flights on the likes of Vietnam Airlines. 

 

Japan Vietnam SkyMiles

 

Just 40,000 SkyMiles can put you in a lie-flat seat from Vietnam to Osaka (KIX), and Tokyo-Haneda (HND) or Tokyo-Narita (NRT).

 

Japan Vietnam SkyMiles

 

SkyMiles can also put you in one of Korean Air's brand new suites between Seoul (ICN) and Japan next year. 

 

 

Seoul and Narita

 

Only 15,000 SkyMiles are required to secure these flights to either Tokyo-Narita (NRT) or Fukuoka (FUK) Japan on Korean's fancy new 787-10 airplane. 

 

Delta SkyMiles fare between Seoul and Tokyo

 

No points? No problem! This fifth-freedom flight on Amsterdam-based KLM Airlines between Singapore (SIN) and Bali (DPS) is one of the funkiest flights out there, but it's also one of the cheapest ways to fly business class, period!

 

KLM Business Class

 

How to Get Our Nerd Alerts

Did one of these deals pique your interest? Have any of these aircraft or premium cabins on your travel wish list? Thrifty Traveler Premium members can get every Nerd Alert we send.

Simply log in to your Premium account online and go to “Settings” and “Deal Filters.” Scroll to the bottom, and toggle on “Nerd Alerts” to start receiving them.
 

Thrifty Traveler Premium nerd alerts  

You can also see any nerd alerts and all our recent flight deals in your Premium account. Scroll through the deals to find them or type “Nerd Alerts” into the search bar at the top.
 

Nerd alert search

 

Bottom Line

Not every flight deal has to be the easiest, simplest route between two destinations. Sometimes you have to look around the globe to find the strangest fifth freedom routes flying some of the coolest airplane seats in the world for prices you won't believe.

We label these Thrifty Traveler Premium deals “Nerd Alerts” but you don't have to be the nerdiest traveler to book them. It's all about what kind of experience you want to have in the sky – and what you're willing to do for it.

 


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