The Best Ways To Fly to Africa With Points and Miles [Step by Step]

Nonstop service between the U.S. and Africa is limited to a handful of carriers, and it reaches only a small set of cities. Delta, United, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways operate the routes that exist today. For everywhere else on the continent, connecting itineraries through hubs in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa open up far more destinations. This guide covers the frequent flyer programs that book these flights, the current award rates, and the steps to redeem.

Quick Overview: Best Ways To Fly to Africa With Points and Miles

Nonstop U.S.-Africa flights are operated by Delta, United, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways, serving a limited number of destinations, such as Accra (ACC), Johannesburg (JNB), Lagos (LOS), and Nairobi (NBO). Connecting routes through Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), Frankfurt (FRA), Amsterdam (AMS), and Paris (CDG) reach many more African cities.

The programs covered here are Emirates Skywards, ANA Mileage Club, Avianca Lifemiles, United MileagePlus, American Airlines AAdvantage, Air Canada Aeroplan, Cathay Pacific Cathay, and Air France-KLM Flying Blue.

Business class generally offers the best balance of availability and value on these routes, with one-way rates ranging from roughly 65,000 to 130,000 miles, depending on the program. First class awards on Emirates are restricted to Silver, Gold, and Platinum Skywards members.

Nonstop Flights Between the U.S. and Africa

Few airlines fly nonstop from the U.S. to Africa. North African destinations (Morocco and Egypt) are covered in a separate guide. The routes below serve the rest of the continent and were confirmed against current schedules.

Ethiopian Airlines:

• Atlanta (ATL)-Addis Ababa (ADD), resumed May 21, 2026
• Chicago (ORD)-Addis Ababa (ADD), sometimes via Rome (FCO)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)-Addis Ababa (ADD), via Lomé (LFW) or Rome (FCO)
• New York (JFK)-Lomé (LFW)-Addis Ababa (ADD)
• Newark (EWR)-Lomé (LFW)-Addis Ababa (ADD)
• New York (JFK)-Abidjan (ABJ), Ivory Coast, operated 3 times a week on a Boeing 787

Some flights from the U.S. to Addis Ababa can operate nonstop eastbound. Because of Addis Ababa’s high elevation and payload limits, the return legs stop in Rome or Lomé. Ethiopian replaced its former Dublin (DUB) technical stop with Rome in 2023, so the Dublin routing no longer operates.

Kenya Airways:

• New York (JFK)-Nairobi (NBO) is the carrier’s only U.S. route.

U.S. airlines with nonstop service to the rest of Africa:

Delta Air Lines:

• Atlanta (ATL)-Johannesburg (JNB)
• Atlanta (ATL)-Cape Town (CPT)
• Atlanta (ATL)-Lagos (LOS)
• Atlanta (ATL)-Accra (ACC), seasonal, from December 1
• New York (JFK)-Accra (ACC)
• New York (JFK)-Dakar (DSS)
• New York (JFK)-Lagos (LOS), intermittent

United Airlines:

• Newark (EWR)-Johannesburg (JNB)
• Newark (EWR)-Cape Town (CPT)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)-Cape Town (CPT)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)-Accra (ACC)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)-Lagos (LOS)

American Airlines does not operate any nonstop routes to Africa.

Taken together, these flights provide nonstop access to Ethiopia (ADD), Ghana (ACC), the Ivory Coast (ABJ), Kenya (NBO), Nigeria (LOS), Senegal (DSS), South Africa (CPT and JNB), and Togo (LFW).

Best Programs To Use To Book Flights to Africa

Nonstop flights suit travelers short on time. Those willing to connect or add a stopover of more than 24 hours can access more destinations and often a lie-flat business class seat. The programs below are the most practical.

Emirates Skywards

Emirates connects the U.S. to much of Africa through its Dubai hub. Emirates repriced its Classic Rewards and Upgrade Rewards on May 20, 2026, so older award figures no longer apply. The rates below apply as of that change (Source: Emirates).

One-way Classic Reward Saver pricing is as follows:

• Business class costs 96,000 to 110,000 miles, depending on the distance:
  • Washington (IAD)-Nairobi (NBO) is 96,000.
  • Chicago (ORD)-Luanda (LAD) is 105,000.
  • Los Angeles (LAX)-Accra (ACC) is 110,000.
• Economy costs 35,000 to 40,000 miles:
  • IAD-Nairobi is 35,000.
  • ORD-Luanda is 37,500.
  • LAX-Accra is 40,000.
• Economy Flex Plus costs 60,000 to 70,000 miles.
• Business Flex Plus prices between 159,000 and 183,000 miles.

Taxes and carrier-imposed charges apply on top and are quoted at booking. First class Classic Rewards are restricted to Silver, Gold, and Platinum members. You can book business and upgrade with miles, though that adds cost.

To book, visit the Emirates homepage, toggle the search box to “Classic rewards,” enter your cities and dates, select your cabin, and search. Searching each segment individually can surface more availability.

Earning: Emirates Skywards accepts transfers from Amex Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards (5:4), Capital One (4:3), Bilt (1:1), Brex (3:2), and Marriott Bonvoy (3:1, with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred). Chase does not transfer to Emirates. Emirates also offers the Emirates Skywards Premium World Elite Mastercard^® and Emirates Skywards Rewards World Elite Mastercard^® for earning miles on spending.

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• 3x points on dining or groceries, on up to $25,000 per year (you can choose which category annually), and the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash
• 2x points and the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on travel purchases

Cons

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• Earn up to 1.25X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee.
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Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Bottom Line:

Emirates first class is a luxurious way to fly to Africa using points and miles. But Emirates business class is more accessible using points and miles while still providing an elevated experience.

ANA Mileage Club

ANA Mileage Club offers competitive business class rates to Africa on Star Alliance partners, most usefully Ethiopian Airlines. Fuel surcharges from European carriers such as Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, and SWISS are passed along. Ethiopian Airlines and United carry the lowest fees.

Partner pricing between the U.S. and Africa is as follows:

• Business class costs 65,000 miles one-way or 130,000 round-trip:
  • Ethiopian Airlines adds about $1,086 in taxes and fees round-trip.
  • United adds about $193 in taxes and fees round-trip.
• Economy costs 70,000 miles round-trip or 35,000 one-way:
  • Ethiopian Airlines adds about $519 in taxes and fees round-trip.
  • United adds about $186 in taxes and fees round-trip.

ANA allows a complimentary stopover on round-trip awards. Ethiopian’s U.S.-bound flights stop in Rome, so a stopover can add a visit to Italy at no extra mileage cost. Flights toward Addis Ababa are nonstop. Sample redemptions: Chicago (ORD)-Addis Ababa (ADD)-Rome (FCO)-Chicago (ORD) in Ethiopian business class for 130,000 miles plus $519, or Washington, D.C. (IAD)-Accra (ACC) round-trip in United Polaris business class for 130,000 miles plus $193.

To book, search for award space on United.com first, then log in to ANA, select “Flight Awards” and “International Award Reservation,” enter the flight details, and redeem.

Earning: ANA accepts transfers from Amex Membership Rewards (1:1) and Marriott Bonvoy (3:1, with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points transferred). Amex transfers take around 3 business days; Marriott transfers take around 7 business days.

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Annual Fee

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Pros

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Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
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Card Highlights

• Earn 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points plus a $250 statement credit after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 09/30/2026.
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• APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Avianca Lifemiles

Avianca Lifemiles prices premium Star Alliance awards without fuel surcharges, which keeps out-of-pocket costs low. While other airlines may tack on more than $1,500 in round-trip surcharges on business and first class tickets, those fees can drop to less than $50 each way when redeeming Lifemiles.

One-way pricing between the U.S. and Africa is as follows:

• Economy costs 42,500 miles, plus about $38 in taxes and fees.
• Business class costs 78,000 miles, plus about $38 in taxes and fees.
• First class costs 105,000 miles, plus about $38 in taxes and fees.

Lifemiles prices mixed-cabin awards on a weighted average, so an itinerary combining first and business class costs less than an all-first-class ticket. Lufthansa first class serves only Johannesburg (JNB) among African destinations and is bookable with points within 15 days of departure. Sample redemptions:

• Chicago (ORD)-Frankfurt (FRA)-Windhoek (WDH) one-way in Lufthansa first and business class is 90,525 miles plus $38
• Los Angeles (LAX)-Frankfurt (FRA)-Johannesburg (JNB) one-way in Lufthansa first class is 105,000 miles plus $38
• New York (JFK)-Frankfurt (FRA)-Cape Town (CPT) one-way in Lufthansa first and business class is 88,765 miles plus $38

Itineraries with more than 1 stop can be difficult to price on the LifeMiles website, and customer service can be slow.

To book, log in to the LIfemiles website, set the site language to English, click “Travel,” enter the trip details, and redeem with a credit card for taxes.

Earning: Lifemiles accepts transfers from Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt, Capital One, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and Wells Fargo Rewards (most at 1:1), and Brex at 3:2. Lifemiles also offers frequent mileage sales and offers both the Avianca Lifemiles American Express^® Elite Card and Avianca Lifemiles American Express^® Card.

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The Amex Platinum card reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and elite status.

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Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, the Platinum Card^® from American Express is a top choice.

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Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far): Get access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
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Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates & fees)
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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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United MileagePlus

United MileagePlus uses dynamic pricing and does not publish an award chart, so it rarely offers the lowest partner rates. It is straightforward to book, and United does not pass along fuel surcharges. The lowest partner rates appear as Saver awards.

One-way partner pricing between the U.S. and Africa is as follows:

• Business class is commonly priced at 88,000 miles as a Saver award, plus about $6 in taxes and fees.
• Economy is commonly priced around 49,500 miles as a Saver award, plus about $6 in taxes and fees.

Sample business class redemptions:

• Chicago (ORD)-Addis Ababa (ADD)-Accra (ACC) in Ethiopian Airlines business class is 88,000 miles plus $59.
• Miami (MIA)-Zurich (ZRH)-Johannesburg (JNB) in United and Ethiopian business class is 88,000 miles plus $9.
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)-Dakar (DSS) in business class is 88,000 miles plus $25 to $50, depending on the airlines you fly with.

To book, visit the United website, toggle Book with miles, enter the city pair and dates, then select the flight.

Earning: United MileagePlus accepts transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1) and Bilt (1:1), and from Marriott Bonvoy at 3:1 with a 10,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points, so 60,000 Bonvoy points yield 30,000 United miles. There are also multiple United Airlines credit cards for earning.

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United Club℠ Card

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Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

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UP's Offer Valuation*:

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Annual Fee

$695

APR

19.74% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• NEW! 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on dining and other travel purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

• $695 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

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Card Highlights

• Earn up to 90,000 bonus miles
• NEW! 11x total miles on eligible United flights and 5x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases
• 2x miles on dining and all other travel
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• Unlimited United Club℠ access for you and a guest - a $750+ value per year
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $440 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services.
• Earn up to 20,000-miles in award flight discounts annually
• NEW! Save 10% or more when booking flights with miles. Premier members save even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada Aeroplan uses a distance-based partner award chart, does not pass along Star Alliance fuel surcharges, and allows a stopover on a one-way award for 5,000 points. It is a strong option for Star Alliance business class to Africa, including Ethiopian and Turkish Airlines, both of which carry low surcharges.

Aeroplan updated its chart in June 2026; the transatlantic business band, which covers most U.S.-Africa routings, remained at 110,000 points (Source: Air Canada).

One-way pricing between the U.S. and Africa is as follows:

• Business class costs 110,000 points for routings over 8,000 miles, which covers most U.S.-Africa itineraries:
  • San Francisco (SFO)-Istanbul (IST)-Nairobi (NBO) in Turkish Airlines business class is 110,000 points plus $65.
  • Washington, D.C. (IAD)-Addis Ababa (ADD)-Cape Town (CPT) in Ethiopian business class is 110,000 points plus $63.

Shorter routings can price lower under the distance chart. Aeroplan’s website is accurate and searches 1 date at a time, so many travelers confirm space on another Star Alliance site first, then book on Aeroplan.

To book, log in to Aeroplan, enter your travel dates and destination, and redeem with a credit card for taxes.

Earning: Aeroplan accepts transfers from Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt, Capital One, and Chase Ultimate Rewards (most at 1:1), and from Marriott Bonvoy at 3:1 with a 5,000-point bonus per 60,000 points, which takes around 5 business days. Earning from the Aeroplan^® Credit Card is also possible.

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines AAdvantage is useful for booking Qatar Airways Qsuites, an enclosed-suite business class product, via Doha (DOH). American does not pass along Qatar’s fuel surcharges, so taxes are low.

One-way pricing between the U.S. and Africa on Qatar Airways is as follows:

• Business class costs 75,000 miles plus taxes as low as about $5.60 to $16.
• Economy costs 40,000 miles plus taxes as low as about $5.60 to $16.

Sample Qsuites redemptions:

• Chicago (ORD)-Doha (DOH)-Lusaka (LUN) is 75,000 miles plus $25.
• Dallas (DFW)-Doha (DOH)-Entebbe (EBB) is 75,000 miles plus $25.
• Philadelphia (PHL)-Doha (DOH)-Maputo (MPM) is 75,000 miles plus $25.

To book, go to the American Airlines website, check “Redeem miles,” choose one-way or round trip, and search.

Earning: AAdvantage accepts transfers from Citi ThankYou Rewards at 1:1 (1:0.7 for nonpremium cardholders) and Bilt at 1:1, and from Marriott Bonvoy at 3:1 in around 2 business days. AAdvantage miles are also earned through Citi’s co-branded American Airlines cards.

Recommended Citi Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

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Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.

75,000 Points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,200

Annual Fee

$595

APR

20.49% to 28.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is a great option for frequent travelers, foodies, and those who are fans of the Citi ThankYou Rewards ecosystem thanks to its combination of bonus categories, perks, and annual credits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
• 6x points on airfare through Citi Travel
• 6x points on dining on Citi Nights (Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 3x points on dining at all other times

Cons

• $595 annual fee
• Boosted dining rewards are limited to 2 nights per week

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Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
• Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
• Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
• Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
• Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% to 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Cathay Pacific Cathay

Asia Miles from Cathay Pacific can also book Qatar Airways Qsuites through Doha (DOH) for travelers without American Airlines miles. Asia Miles passes Qatar’s fuel surcharges, so out-of-pocket taxes are higher, at roughly $500 one-way. Pricing is based on the distance between origin and destination, not total distance flown, so a connection through Doha does not increase the mileage (Source: Cathay Pacific).

Between the U.S. and Africa, one-way business class costs 91,000 to 119,000 miles, depending on distance, plus about $507 in taxes and fees:

• Houston (IAH)-Lagos (LOS) is 91,000.
• Boston (BOS)-Dar es Salaam (DAR) is 119,000.
• Los Angeles (LAX)-Nairobi (NBO) is 119,000.
• San Francisco (SFO)-Khartoum (KRT) is 119,000.

Cathay does not publish a partner chart, so members enter a route on Cathay’s flight awards redemption page for an estimate. Cathay applies married-segment logic, which can make some connections unavailable, so searching on the American Airlines or British Airways websites first and then calling Cathay to book is often the most reliable approach.

To book, confirm Qsuites availability on another Oneworld site, then price and book the route through Cathay’s Redeem Flight Awards tool or by phone.

Earning: Asia Miles accepts transfers from Amex Membership Rewards (5:4), Brex (3:2), Capital One (1:1), Citi ThankYou Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy (3:1, with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points).

Recommended Capital One Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Air France-KLM Flying Blue often offers the only 1-stop service to smaller African countries, routing through Paris (CDG) or Amsterdam (AMS) to reach destinations in Madagascar, Chad, and Benin that other full-service airlines do not serve conveniently. Flying Blue passes carrier-imposed surcharges and uses dynamic award pricing after a smaller number of fixed-price awards disappear (Source: Flying Blue).

One-way pricing between the U.S. and Africa is as follows, using a verified New York (JFK)-Nairobi (NBO) booking:

• Business class is commonly around 115,000 miles plus about $721, though the mileage floats with demand.
• Premium economy is around 65,000 miles plus about $475.
• Economy is around 40,000 miles plus about $286.

Taxes and surcharges are higher in business than in economy. Sample business class redemptions at the 115,000-mile level:

• Atlanta (ATL)-Paris (CDG)-Pointe Noire (PNR) in Air France business class
• Los Angeles (LAX)-Amsterdam (AMS)-Zanzibar (ZNZ) in KLM business class
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)-Amsterdam (AMS)-Cape Town (CPT) in KLM business class

To book, log in to the U.S. Air France website, click “Book with Miles,” choose round trip or one-way, enter the airport codes and dates, and search.

Earning: Flying Blue accepts transfers from Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards (all at 1:1), and from Marriott Bonvoy at 3:1 with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points. Brex transfers at 3:2. You can also earn with the Air France KLM Visa Signature^® Credit Card.

Recommended Chase Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $288 annually.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Final Thoughts

This guide covers Emirates Skywards, ANA Mileage Club, Avianca LifeMiles, United MileagePlus, American Airlines AAdvantage, Air Canada Aeroplan, Cathay Pacific Cathay and Air France-KLM Flying Blue. Across these programs, business class generally offers the best availability and value on routes to Africa. Award rates, taxes, and transfer ratios change, so verify all figures before transferring points or booking.