SYD → SFO
Benchmark cash fares, indicative miles across every cabin, and the community-verified sweet spots that actually get booked. Live space varies — always confirm before transferring points.
Benchmark cash fares
Indicative miles — every cabin, every program
Modeled at each program's typical redemption value. Gold rows mark the smartest balance for that cabin. Economy is included — it's often the true value pick.
| Program | Economy | Premium economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QFQantas Frequent Flyer | ~61,000 | ~121,000 | ~284,000 | ~526,000 |
| VAVirgin Velocity | ~55,000 | ~110,000 | ~257,000 | ~476,000 |
| SQSingapore KrisFlyer | best~50,000 | best~100,000 | best~235,000 | best~435,000 |
| EKEmirates Skywards | ~82,000 | ~164,000 | ~386,000 | ~714,000 |
| UAUnited MileagePlus | ~64,000 | ~128,000 | ~300,000 | ~556,000 |
| AVAvianca LifeMiles | ~58,000 | ~115,000 | ~270,000 | ~500,000 |
| ACAir Canada Aeroplan | ~58,000 | ~115,000 | ~270,000 | ~500,000 |
| AFAir France-KLM Flying Blue | ~64,000 | ~128,000 | ~300,000 | ~556,000 |
| AAAmerican AAdvantage | ~68,000 | ~135,000 | ~318,000 | ~588,000 |
| DLDelta SkyMiles | ~88,000 | ~177,000 | ~415,000 | ~769,000 |
| ASAlaska Mileage Plan | ~52,000 | ~105,000 | ~245,000 | ~455,000 |
| EYEtihad Guest | ~77,000 | ~153,000 | ~360,000 | ~667,000 |
| QRQatar Privilege Club | ~64,000 | ~128,000 | ~300,000 | ~556,000 |
| TKTurkish Miles&Smiles | ~61,000 | ~121,000 | ~284,000 | ~526,000 |
| VSVirgin Atlantic Flying Club | ~58,000 | ~115,000 | ~270,000 | ~500,000 |
| B6JetBlue TrueBlue | ~61,000 | ~121,000 | ~284,000 | ~526,000 |
| SKSAS EuroBonus | ~82,000 | ~164,000 | ~386,000 | ~714,000 |
| AMAeroméxico Rewards | ~82,000 | ~164,000 | ~386,000 | ~714,000 |
| G3GOL Smiles | ~96,000 | ~192,000 | ~450,000 | ~833,000 |
| CMCopa ConnectMiles | ~72,000 | ~144,000 | ~338,000 | ~625,000 |
| ADAzul TudoAzul | ~88,000 | ~177,000 | ~415,000 | ~769,000 |
| BABritish Airways Avios | ~68,000 | ~135,000 | ~318,000 | ~588,000 |
| CXCathay Asia Miles | ~64,000 | ~128,000 | ~300,000 | ~556,000 |
"Best" marks the program that delivers the highest cents-per-point value at our benchmark fare — not necessarily the lowest miles. Actual award pricing varies.
You'll pay cash on top. Plan for it.
Award tickets aren't free — expect airport taxes, government charges, and (on some programs) fuel surcharges. Long-haul economy typically runs $100–$300 in taxes, business $150–$500, and Qantas–Emirates business to Europe can exceed $1,200 in surcharges alone. Compare taxes as carefully as miles.
More route guides
Editorial intelligence synthesised from Point Hacks AU, God Save the Points, One Mile at a Time, Frequent Miler, The Points Guy and Australian Frequent Flyer. Confirm live in-program before transferring.