A flight to Hawaii can take longer than flying to Europe for some. For East Coasters it’s a  whopping 11-12 hour journey, about as long as it takes to fly between New York and Buenos Aires. There is a considerable shortage of comfortable premium class seats from the U.S. to Hawaii, although they do exist and more are on the way. Here’s a rundown.

Days after losing an intense bidding war to buy Californian-based Virgin America, JetBlue Airways has upped the ante in the battle for high-paying fliers from the Golden State.

United Airlines and Azul Brazilian Airlines have brokered a codeshare agreement. This means easier trips between the U.S. and Brazil because passengers can now book travel on both airlines using one itinerary. But you might be wondering: What about frequent flyer miles?

USA Today has dubbed Berlin “Europe’s Capital of Cool. In the summer, it blossoms and becomes a hot spot for party-goers and fun-loving people from all over the world.

The Economist calls Vienna the second-most livable city in the world, but despite the recognition, not a single U.S.-based airline flies there. There are, however, plenty of alternatives to finding award seats in business or first class on partner airlines.

Madrid is a fantastic city with great sights and great food, and despite being a major European capital it’s relatively easy on the wallet.
A hotel room in a 4-star boutique hotel can be had for about $80. A dinner for two in a nice restaurant might set you back around $60. Getting there in style can be even cheaper if you have the right currency: frequent-flyer miles.

If you want to travel to Europe in business or first class, going through Rome is one option. The Eternal City is a great choice for a stopover with its ancient Roman architecture including the famous Colosseum. As usual you should be flexible and plan ahead, but there are plenty of options. Not only do all roads lead to Rome, but most airlines do, too, although some airlines only go there seasonally so London may be your best off-season bet. Most U.S.-based airlines fly to Rome between late spring and early fall.

Want to go to Paris in first class? There are more than a few ways to fly to the City of Light in a premium class cabin for merely the price of taxes. The Saver award rate, the lowest available, will cost you from 100,000 to 125,000 miles per round trip, but the product quality will vary. Since many airlines are currently in the process of refitting their premium cabins with new types of seats/beds, it’s not always easy to know the specifics, but let’s take a look at a few of the options you have.

London is an unofficial European hub. Even if it is not your final destination, it is cheap, and easy to get almost anywhere else in Europe from there whether using miles or paying cash.

The easiest and cheapest way to fly to London in a premium seat is by using American Airlines AAdvantage miles on American Airlines or one of the other oneworld partners. Availability is reasonable although not always on direct flights even if you are flying in peak season. Avoid booking British Airways across the ocean though as they impose huge fuel surcharges.

Airlines are unbundling fares and packing more and more people into planes these days. Travelers can’t help but consider flying in business or first class, especially on a long-haul flight. But those fares are expensive, so most people think they are out of reach. They’re not. 

Australia is one of the most difficult destinations to get to on points and miles, with limited award availability. I had my work cut out for me when I tried to book three round-trip, first-class awards to Sydney this past December.

There was a time when transcontinental travelers dreaded the flight from New York to Los Angeles or San Francisco. Aircraft comfort and amenities seemed to be going downhill. That’s changed.

Do you ever make it a point to do a bit of plane spotting when you’re at the airport? Most frequent flyers have a healthy respect for the aviation industry and are intrigued by the newest and most technologically advanced aircraft.

Domestic carriers are courting business travelers on transcontinental routes with flat-bed seats from New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco.