PointsWatchAward route guide

JFK → PVG

New York (JFK) to Shanghai (Pudong): business class with points

Premium-cabin award space between New York (JFK) and Shanghai (Pudong) is some of the most contested in the world, and almost none of it is booked through the airline painted on the plane. The seats fly on ANA, EVA, Cathay Pacific, JAL, Starlux and Korean Air; the points that book them live in Aeroplan, Avios, Virgin Atlantic and Flying Blue.

Check live award space on this route →

Programs that book this route

Air Canada Aeroplanfrom ~75,000 one-way

The workhorse for Star Alliance across the Pacific: ANA, EVA, Air China and United metal, with 1:1 transfers from Chase and Amex.

Finnair Plus (Avios)from ~85,000 Avios one-way

Sees Cathay Pacific space through Hong Kong and JAL space to Tokyo. Transfer Chase or Amex to British Airways, then move Avios to Finnair 1:1.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club90,000 round-trip in business (Japan)

The cheapest ANA chart anywhere, round-trips only, US West Coast to Tokyo. Frequent 30% bonuses from Amex and Capital One.

Flying Blue (Air France/KLM)from ~80,000 one-way

Prices SkyTeam partners across the Pacific, including Korean Air and China Airlines. Verify Korean Air space on Delta.com before transferring.

Alaska Atmos Rewardsfrom ~75,000 one-way

Starlux through Taipei plus Cathay and JAL partner awards. Bilt transfers 1:1; otherwise buy Atmos points during bonus sales.

Transfer bonuses running right now

Cards worth opening for this trip

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless200,000 Marriott points + up to $100 airline credits
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Hilton Honors Aspire200,000 Hilton points
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Hilton Honors Surpass130,000 Hilton points + 1 Free Night Reward
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Questions people ask

How many points is business class from New York (JFK) to Shanghai (Pudong)?

from ~75,000 one-way through Air Canada Aeroplan is the benchmark; other programs on this page range from there. Cash fares on this route often run $3,000–6,000 one-way, so even the highest points price is strong value.

Which credit card points work?

Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou, Bilt and Wells Fargo all transfer into at least one program that books this route. Pick the program first, then transfer only once the seat is confirmed.

When should I book?

Award space appears in waves: at schedule opening (about 11 months out) and inside the final weeks. Transfer bonuses of 20–40% appear monthly and lower the real cost; never transfer speculatively.

Related routes

New York (JFK) → Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)New York (JFK) → HanoiNew York (JFK) → Da NangSan Francisco → Shanghai (Pudong)Los Angeles → Shanghai (Pudong)Seattle → Shanghai (Pudong)New York (JFK) → Hong KongNew York (JFK) → Tokyo (Narita)