Making the Most of Airline Carriers Based in Asia

Find the best flights and rewards when traveling on Asian air lines
By Chris Lee Moore If your business travels to Dubai, Tokyo, Shanghai or Beijing, you'll likely travel on Asian airlines. A smart business will get the most out of traveling on these airlines, much like they do on U.S. air carriers.

Making the most of airline carriers based in Asia is key to your business' Asian commerce succeeding, otherwise you'll waste time and money. You want the easiest flights for the least money more than anything else. Getting the most out of travel on Asian airlines means:

1. Finding the best deals among the Asia-based airline carriers.

2. Locating bargains through frequent travel and packages.

3. Taking advantage of American/Asian airline partnerships.

Identify the major airlines for efficient and cheap flights within Asia with business amenities

If you're frequently flying to and from Asia, you must know the continent's major air carriers. Some Asian air carriers have special deals flying between major American cities. Finding discount business air to Asia is important, but don't overlook other factors like quality and customer service. Some airlines also offer deals and perks to business travelers.
Try:  Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific has won multiple awards by the Official Airline Guide. It offers special fare packages coordinated directly with your business trip schedule through its MICE program, including dining and shopping discounts and other services to business groups. Japan Airlines is one of the largest Asian-based airline carriers. Its Executive class cabins offer full meals and in-flight audio/video entertainment along with loungewear, computer batteries, medicines and healthcare products.

Find discount Asia airline tickets through frequent flyer and other award programs

Finding deals on Asian air fare can be easier if you use one airline most of the time. You can be eligible for frequent flyer programs and other VIP specials that airline may offer. These programs often partner with hotels and restaurants for miles accumulation and specials.
Try:  Air China offers the Phoenix Miles program for frequent flyers, which not only provides free flights and upgrades but deals with the airline's partner hotels and car rentals. You can easily calculate how many mileage points will get you your desired flight. Members in Japan Airline's JAL Mileage Bank accumulate miles on any JAL or partner flight. Those who earn at last 50,00 points can join their Global Club for more bonus miles, priority check-in and baggage service and airport lounge use.

Take advantage of alliances between American and Asian airline carriers

Many Asian air lines have formed partnerships with U.S. based airlines. Through these alliances, your business can connect with participating airlines and collect miles and rewards through them all.
Try:  American Airlines and Japan Airlines are partnered through Oneworld, which includes Cathay Pacific. View Oneworld benefits and frequent flyer options through partner airlines. With Star Alliance, United Airlines and US Airways connect with Air China, Thai Airways International, Shanghai Airlines and Singapore Airlines. This alliance offers numerous services across the partner airlines including frequent flyer programs, Star Alliance Awards and Star Alliance Upgrade Awards to name a few. You’re your next flight from the US to Asia smoother connecting with just one ticket. SkyTeam not only links up Delta with China Southern and Korean Air with frequent flyer programs and corporate loyalty programs but allows you to take advantage of business travel amenities to help you unwind as you travel.

• Look for smaller discount airline carriers in Asia if your trip involves short-haul travel within the continent. The smaller carriers, like airlines in southeast Asia, can offer lower fares more often.