Over the years, I've learned how to maximize earning frequent flier miles. Conventional wisdom dictates accruing miles by flying. Not only that, there are hotel stays, car rentals, vacations, cruises, e-shopping, dining - airline partners with which anyone can earn more miles. In the US, what makes earning miles really more exciting - without even stepping inside an airplane - are the huge credit card bonuses.
Two cards I have been offered last year gave me more than goose bumps - British Airways Visa Signature card with 100,000 miles and American Express Premier Rewards with 75,000 points. Since my credit history is very good so far, I was approved on both cards. Meeting the required spending wasn't a problem as I merely charged everything, including utilities and groceries, to the cards and more importantly, paying them each month.
When I finally got the miles and points deposited on my accounts, I immediately sprang into action. Knowing that British Airways was devaluing their miles soon, I booked a business class ticket on Cathay Pacific to Asia this March using all 100,000 miles I earned. Had I waited, it would have increased to 140,000 miles! Tax was $375. Not bad for a ticket that would cost $10,471!
One good thing to look forward to on this trip is finally experiencing the revamped business class on Cathay.
The next ticket is a first for me and my best redemption ever: a mini-RTW on 4 different airlines, all on business class. When I heard that Aeroplan (Air Canada's frequent flier program) was throwing a promo on premium redemption including Star Alliance partners, I just couldn't sleep that December evening. It was an unbelievable 75,000 miles for trips from North America to Asia. Normally, that's 125,000 miles.
So I moved 75,000 American Express membership rewards points to Aeroplan the next day and booked it right away. What's great is that Aeroplan's redemption rules allow trans-Atlantic routes to and trans-Pacific routes from Asia. In other words, a mini-round-the-world trip. I will be flying Lufthansa (A380!), Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Asiana - all on business class for a grand total of $451. Again, not bad considering this routing would have cost me $12,779. (Just before New Year, Aeroplan hastily cut the promo and now it's back to 125,000 miles for the same route!)
Before I embark on this "premium" journeys however, I shall be enjoying my time flying coach. I redeemed my last 30,000 miles on Cathay Pacific for an economy class ticket to Mexico City tomorrow. That's just $64 in tax.
Hasta la vista amigos!
6 comments:
Damn, you're traveling again! Awesome news! I guess we're sort of close by. I am in Guatemala at the moment, and having a blast!
How I wish I could also experience flying business class and first class even just once. I'm such a cheapskate when it comes to accommodation and transportation :)
Good for you! Enjoy amigo.
dennis, you proved again that "the best things in life are free!"
you're one such intelligent traveler!
way to go, man! :D
You made out like a bandit on your deals! Keep on traveling.
Wish I could fly business class someday too! I'm asking the hubby to consider cards like such, but doesn't wanna look into it :( He does the cards decision thing. LOL.
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