While there are several airlines that will proverbially take you across the pond—whichever pond that is—there are two standouts from both an onboard quality standpoint as well as the ease of earning rewards within the respective loyalty programs.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines operates several flights from the United States to its hub in Istanbul and continuing on to various destinations. In its premium-class cabins, you can expect an upgraded service including catering from Turkish signature Flying Chefs, some of the most comfortable seats in the air and Ferragamo amenity kits.
Not only is Turkish Airlines enjoyable when up in the air, but it’s a breeze to book award flights since the Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles program is a transfer partner of Bilt Rewards, Capital One rewards and Citi ThankYou® Points.
There’s plenty of credit card options that can help you beef up your Miles&Smiles balances, as well.
If you’re flush with United MileagePlus miles from either being an avid United flyer or holding one of the many co-branded credit cards, you can use those miles to book flights on Turkish Airlines as both are part of the Star Alliance airline partnership.
Qatar Airways
Qatar is another top-notch airline to fly with in style, where you can enjoy truly luxurious business-class cabins. For example, its Qsuite configuration—dubbed “first class in business” offers much of what you’d see in first class, like a la carte dining and enclosed pods for added privacy.
Qatar Airways is rather versatile when it comes to booking flights, thanks to its partnership with Alaska Airlines. You can leverage your Mileage Plan miles to book award flights. And, since Qatar Airways Privilege Club uses the same Avios as British Airways, Aer Lingus and Iberia, you can take advantage of transfers between those programs.
Moreover, each of the following cards offer a generous welcome bonus:
You can combine those Avios earned from your card with British Airways and then transfer them to Qatar Airways Privilege Club to book your flights.
Qatar Airways is also a transfer partner of Citi ThankYou Points and American Express Membership Rewards®. So holding cards like the Citi Premier® Card* or The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, see rates & fees) allows you to top off your Avios balances.
Featured Partner Offer
The Platinum Card® from American Express
5X Reward Rate
Earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directlyRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 80,000 points
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit Score
Good,Excellent (700 – 749)
Editorial Review
The Platinum Card is destined for frequent travelers who intend to fully leverage the rich set of luxury travel benefits and Platinum Concierge service. In the right hands, the classic status card’s staggering annual fee is well justified.
Pros & Cons
- High reward potential on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel
- Multiple credits can help justify the fee
- Comprehensive airport lounge access
- Luxury travel benefits and elite status with Hilton and Marriott with enrollment
- Very high annual fee
- Maximizing the statement credits takes some work and could be impractical for many
- Reward rate outside of travel is sub-par for a premium card
Card Details
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only (through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider), when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.