One of the best ways to maximize travel points is by booking premium cabin flights that would otherwise cost thousands of dollars. My first major points redemption was booking two Business Class seats from Tokyo to Los Angeles for the return leg of my family’s trip to Japan.
Here are the numbers:
Route: Tokyo Narita (NRT) → Los Angeles (LAX)
Airline: Singapore Airlines (booked through Air Canada Aeroplan)
Cabin: Business Class
Passengers: 2 Adults + 1 lap Infant
Points Used: 152,500 Aeroplan Points
Taxes & Fees: Approximately $205
How I Booked It
For this redemption, I transferred Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR) points to Air Canada Aeroplan and used those points to book Singapore Airlines Business Class seats for the journey home. This is a great example of why transferable points are the best. Instead of being limited to a single airline, you can move points to travel partners and book whichever option provides the best value.
Why This Redemption Was So Valuable
Business Class tickets on international routes can easily cost several thousand dollars per person. By leveraging Aeroplan’s award chart and Chase transfer partners, I was able to secure these business class seats for a fraction of the typical cash cost. At the time of booking, comparable Business Class fares on this route were over $4,000 per passenger, meaning two tickets would have cost more than $9,000 in cash.
Instead, I transferred Chase UR points to Air Canada and booked both tickets for 152,500 points ($1,525 cash value) plus approximately $205 in taxes and fees.
In addition to lie-flat seats, Business Class included priority check-in and boarding, lounge access, extra baggage allowance, and more. These are all benefits that people typically pay for, but I was able to enjoy them using points.
The Takeaway
Travel rewards aren’t just about getting free flights, they’re about making experiences more affordable. Had I redeemed my 152,500 Chase Ultimate Rewards points for cash back, they would have been worth about $1,525. Instead, I transferred those points and redeemed them for over $9,000 in Business Class flights. Before booking an expensive international flight, take a few minutes to explore your transfer options. You may be surprised by how much value your points can provide.
Want to learn more about maximizing travel rewards? Check out my other guides on points, credit cards, and travel strategies.
