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David Slotnick/Business Insider
First class on All Nippon Airways is just plain fun.
- My wife and I flew from New York to Japan on All Nippon Airways, a Japanese carrier.
- Between private suites, luxurious seats, a genuine bed, top-shelf wine and spirits, and unbelievable restaurant-quality food, the 14 hours flew right by.
- We got the points from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Platinum Card® from American Express. The $20,000 first-class seats cost surprisingly few points, plus about $250 in taxes and fees.
- Read exactly how we booked the flights »
My wife and I recently flew round-trip to Japan in first class, and we only paid about $250 each in taxes and fees, plus 120,000 credit card points. There were a few steps involved, but overall it was relatively easy - you can read exactly how I used points to book the flights booked the flights here.
I've found cards like the AmEx Platinum Card, the American Express® Gold Card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (currently offering its highest-ever sign-up bonus!), the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Chase Freedom Unlimited, and the Citi Premier Card have the welcome bonuses and rewards point that enable me to sip $300 champagne, eat fresh sashimi, and stretch out on a luxurious private bed at 35,000 feet.
Here's what it was like to fly 14 hours in a $20,000 first-class seat on ANA:
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Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.