How I Flew Business Class from Perth to Paris for $450AUD - Using Points I Collected Intentionally.

Flying business class always felt like a bit of a pipe dream reserved for CEOs, corporate bankers, and frequent flyers clocking 100+ flights a year. I didn't think it was something I'd ever be able to experience as someone who's intentional about money, but by no means rolling in it!!

But earlier this year, I boarded a business class flight from Perth, Australia to Paris, France and paid just $450 AUD. The rest (the bulk of it), I covered with 126,000 airline points I'd collected through everyday spending. And no, I didn't win them, inherit them, or accidentally stumble across them. I earned them intentionally!

This isn't about luxury travel for the sake of it. It's about using your budget and spending choices intentionally to create opportunities, that otherwise might feel out of reach, without spending more than you normally would.

The Strategy Behind The Seat

I didn't have a massive income. I wasn't flying every week. But I did have a (simple) plan that turned my normal spending into a long haul business class seat on a Dreamliner.

Here's exactly what I did:

• I Used a Points-Earning Credit Card for Every Eligible Purchase

  Groceries. Petrol. Subscriptions. Dog food. If I was going to spend money on it anyway, it went through my points-earning credit card. Always within budget, always paid off in full each month, but always collecting points. I didn't change what I was spending, just how I was spending it.

  
  

• I Shopped (Strategically) at Points-Earning Retailers

  Most major airline programs have shopping partners (though it depends on which country you're in). I started choosing where to shop based on whether it earned me points, especially for things I was going to buy anyway. The best part about this is paying on a points-earning credit card for double dipping: one transaction, two lots of points!

  
  

• I Swapped Credit Cards to Maximise Sign-Up Bonuses

  Rather than sticking with one card forever, I made a habit of reviewing the best sign-up offers every 12-18 months. I'd make sure I could meet the minimum spend requirements comfortably (which was usually never a problem by running usual expenses through the card), then switch before paying the next annual card fee. This usually meant an extra 60,000 - 100,000 points here and there, without changing my lifestyle or spending habits.

  
  

  What It All Added Up To

  By the time I was ready to book, I had enough points saved for the 17 hour direct flight from Perth to Paris, in business class, for a cash contribution of just $450 AUD. The full ticket price can be up to $9,000 in peak times! Was it worth the effort? Absolutely ! Not just because of the lie-flat bed, breakfast champagne, or lounge access (though I must admit those were very welcome), but because I felt like I'd cracked a code: how to make the money I was already spending go further, just by being intentional.

  
  

  Here are the exact steps I'd take to do the same thing again:

  • Get a points earning credit card that suits your spending. Bonus points (literally) if there's a strong sign-up offer and no/low annual fee.

  • Use your card for everyday purchases (but only if you can pay it off in full). No interest, no stress.

  • Choose retailers that reward you for shopping. Check out your frequent flyer program's partners and online stores.

  • Track your points and have a goal. Booking reward flights does take a bit of planning, but if you know what you're looking for, it helps you stay focused.

  • Start early. Reward seats are generally released 10-11 months in advance, especially for long-haul flights. These will be more competitive in peak times, so make sure you know when to start looking.

    
    

If you thought points were only worth it for big spenders or luxury holidays, I'm here to tell you that's not the case! You just need a strategy that aligns with your budget and your lifestyle.*

*This post isn’t financial advice, it’s just a reflection of my personal experience and what worked for me. Everyone’s situation is different, and credit cards (or points programs) aren’t the right fit for everyone. Always do your own research or speak to a professional before making decisions about credit or money management.