How long does one usually need to redeem miles for a 2 pax round trip business class seat to say Europe/USA?

It will take you 368000 miles for 2 pax for a round trip on business class. if we are using the most optimal route of 4 miles per dollar spend, it will take your around $92000 worth of spending.

Hi anon,

Let's go with either KF or Asia Miles to simply this, and that you'll want to fly direct instead of say, backtracking through Hong Kong via Cathay because you want to try our their 'The Pier' lounge....

For KF, round trip x 2 in J would be 184K per person (regardless of SQ or *A awards) so you'll need 368K miles in general.

For Asia Miles, 140K if you want to fly return on BA, so 280K miles in total.

To simplify the analysis I am going to assume you are not particularly picky about the cabin type as long as it is business.

The most optimal card set up would be a 4mpd card, so based on 280K miles, if you exclusively earn it on 4mpd cards, that's $70K of spending. I'm going to assume you don't 'help' other people pay for their stuff and they pay you back, but I know of people who do that. Every mile counts, so they say.

A more realistic expectation is that you mix 4mpd cards with your regular spend and earn a blended 2mpd on average. That raises the spend requirement to $140K.

Hope that gives you an idea.​​​