Step-by-Step Guide for Flying to Bali Utilizing Points and Miles

Traveling to Bali has never been more accessible, thanks to numerous airline partnerships and loyalty programs that offer point and mile redemptions. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best ways to redeem miles for flights to Bali, focusing on the most popular airlines and loyalty programs.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific's "Cathay" loyalty program offers value for more complex award redemptions, including around-the-world award tickets. For one-way flights from Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), or San Francisco (SFO) to Bali-Denpasar (DPS), Cathay Pacific business class is an option at 70,000 miles plus taxes and fees. Premium Economy seats can also be booked for as low as 11,000 miles for shorter flights, with prices increasing incrementally based on distance.

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines AAdvantage miles can be used to fly on Oneworld partner airlines between the U.S. and Bali. One-way award pricing for these redemptions ranges from 37,500 miles in Main Cabin to 110,000 miles for First Class, depending on the distance of the flight. Partner awards with American Airlines AAdvantage are not subject to dynamic pricing, making them an attractive option for travelers looking for predictable redemption rates.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Air France-KLM Flying Blue is a great program for SkyTeam redemptions, despite using dynamic pricing and potentially hefty fuel surcharges. One-way award pricing for flights between the U.S. and Bali can vary, but business class seats can be found for as low as 70,000 miles (for Contiguous 48 U.S. States & Canada) and 110,000 miles for First Class. Flying Blue miles can be earned through transfer partners like American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

Other Options

Other airlines offering competitive redemption rates for flights to Bali include Korean Air, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Asiana Airlines, and Air Canada Aeroplan. However, these programs often come with high redemption rates, high fuel surcharges, difficult booking processes, or other viable alternatives with better routing rules.

For example, San Francisco (SFO) - Taipei (TPE) - Bali-Denpasar (DPS) one-way in China Airlines business class can be booked for 115,000 Flying Blue miles plus taxes and fees. Similarly, New York (JFK) - Taipei (TPE) - Bali-Denpasar (DPS) one-way in EVA Air business class is available for 78,000 LifeMiles plus taxes and fees.

Transferring Points to Airline Programs

Earning airline miles is easy through co-branded credit cards, such as American Airlines and Citi ThankYou Rewards, as well as hotel programs like Marriott Bonvoy. Citi ThankYou points transfer to American AAdvantage at a 1:1 ratio (depending on the card), and Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to American AAdvantage at a 3:1 ratio. Additionally, points from transfer partners like American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Wells Fargo Rewards can be transferred to Flying Blue, LifeMiles, and other airline programs.

The Best Programs for Bali Redemptions

The best loyalty programs for booking flights to Bali with point and mile benefits are American Express Membership Rewards combined with transfer partners like Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Flying Blue (Air France/KLM). Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer allows booking premium flights in Southeast Asia, including to Bali, with competitive mileage rates when transferring Amex points (3:2 ratio), while Flying Blue offers dynamic but often competitive pricing for flights in the region and partner airlines.

Avianca LifeMiles is another program that doesn't get enough love, but its incredible benefits make it one of the best Star Alliance programs available. LifeMiles can be earned through transfer partners like American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

In conclusion, with a little research and planning, travelers can find excellent redemption options for flights to Bali using a variety of airline loyalty programs and credit card points. Whether you're looking for a comfortable seat in economy or a luxurious first class experience, there's a redemption option out there that fits your needs and budget.