Best 5th Freedom Flights to Book with Points & Miles

If you’re serious about getting maximum value from your points and miles, 5th freedom flights are one of the best-kept secrets in award travel. These routes—operated by an airline flying between two countries neither of which is its home base—can offer luxury cabins, low award rates, and unique itineraries.

Here are the best 5th freedom flights to book with points and miles in 2025, including how to snag them using major loyalty programs like Aeroplan, Flying Blue, and Alaska Mileage Plan.

🥇 1. Singapore Airlines: JFK–Frankfurt

• Aircraft: A380 or 777-300ER with lie-flat business class

• Book With: Singapore KrisFlyer, United MileagePlus, Aeroplan

• Best Value:

  • 81,000 miles (Saver Business) with KrisFlyer

  • 60,000 Aeroplan points (Business class)

This luxurious route offers Singapore’s renowned service between the U.S. and Europe. Seats open up ~2–3 months before departure, and the A380 offers a true international first/business experience at a fraction of the cost.

💡 Pro Tip: Transfer Amex, Chase, or Citi points instantly to KrisFlyer.

🥈 2. Emirates: Bangkok–Hong Kong

• Aircraft: A380 with onboard bar and showers in First

• Book With: Emirates Skywards

• Best Value:

  • 30,000 Skywards miles (Business),

  • 45,000 miles (First)

This short but ultra-premium flight offers an Emirates experience on a regional route. Even in Business, you’ll enjoy lounge access, fine dining, and luxury for under 4 hours of flight time.

💡 Why It’s Special: Experience the A380 bar without flying long-haul.

🥉 3. KLM: Singapore–Bali (Denpasar)

• Aircraft: Boeing 777-200ER with flat-bed seats in Business

• Book With: Flying Blue

• Best Value:

  • 20,000–35,000 miles (Business class dynamic pricing)

One of the best-value ways to fly between two of Southeast Asia’s top destinations. KLM flies this Fifth Freedom leg with long-haul aircraft that’s significantly nicer than what most local carriers use.

💡 Flying Blue often offers Promo Rewards—watch for monthly discounts.

🏅 4. Ethiopian Airlines: São Paulo–Buenos Aires

• Aircraft: 787 Dreamliner

• Book With: United MileagePlus, Aeroplan

• Best Value:

  • 12,500 United miles (Economy)

  • 25,000 Aeroplan points (Business)

A rare Fifth Freedom route in South America, this is a great way to experience a wide-body aircraft in the region. Ethiopian has surprisingly solid service and lie-flat business class at unbeatable rates.

🎖️ 5. Cathay Pacific: New York (JFK)–Vancouver (YVR)

• Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER

• Book With: Alaska Mileage Plan, Asia Miles

• Best Value:

  • 25,000 Alaska miles (Business)

  • 10,000–12,500 Asia Miles (Economy)

Cathay’s premium transborder route has historically offered excellent availability and premium cabins with full-service experience. It’s a smart option if you want a luxury product without crossing the Pacific.

💡 Note: This route paused in 2023 but is scheduled to return by Q4 2025—check Cathay’s schedule updates.

📌 What Is a Fifth Freedom Flight?

A Fifth Freedom flight is a route where an airline flies between two foreign countries, continuing on to or from its home country. These routes are often award sweet spots because:

• The airlines use long-haul aircraft on short-to-medium legs.

• Pricing is often lower than similar flights by local carriers.

• Availability for award seats is often better, especially in premium cabins.

💼 Tips for Booking These Sweet Spots

• Use point transfer partners like Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards.

• Book early (10–11 months) or last-minute (within 2 weeks) for best availability.

• Use tools like Point.me, SeatSpy, or AwardLogic to search multiple programs at once.

✈️ Honorable Mentions

• Turkish Airlines: Bogotá–Panama City

• Lufthansa: Malabo–Douala

• Air New Zealand: Los Angeles–Rarotonga (Seasonal)

🧭 Final Thoughts

If you’re sitting on a stash of points and miles, fifth freedom flights are one of the smartest redemptions you can make. Whether it’s a luxurious hop through Asia or a rare South American business class ride, these routes combine comfort, value, and uniqueness that standard award charts just can’t match.

👉 Bookmark this list and keep checking airline schedules—these fifth freedom gems change more often than you’d think.