Although these tickets can be expensive if you're paying for them with cash, you can sometimes book a seat in these premium cabins using airline miles you've already earned or with points from signing up for certain credit cards. First, you'll need to understand the difference between first and business class.

Yes, you can pay for First Class seats using miles in 2026, though the process varies by airline. You can either book an "Award Ticket" directly in First Class using your frequent flyer miles (such as Emirates Skywards or United MileagePlus) or use your miles to "Upgrade" an existing Economy or Business Class booking. In 2026, many major carriers have moved toward dynamic pricing, meaning the number of miles required for a First Class seat fluctuates based on demand, season, and route. For example, United Airlines allows Premier members to use "PlusPoints" or miles to request upgrades. To get the best value, savvy travelers often look for "Saver Award" availability, which offers First Class seats for a fixed, lower amount of miles, though these spots are limited and often disappear months in advance.