Edition 12 | Biz class deal to Australia: 120k miles roundtrip.
A special deal edition of TMT.
While the much of the U.S. is in the midst of severe winter weather, here in LA, it’s been a balmy 60-something degrees. I’m drafting this special deal edition of my newsletter from the Qantas First Class Lounge at LAX, as I jet off to Asia for the holidays.
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IN THIS EDITION.
January travel in business class to Australia from 120,000 miles roundtrip.
Travel PR and editorial folks, I’m always interested in connecting, especially coverage for my upcoming travel to Asia.
Deal alert: Wide-open availability to Australia for January travel.
Australia is notoriously difficult to get to with points and miles (and let’s be real, it’s just difficult to get to, period). This is particularly true for nonstop flights from North America in peak summer season (November through March or so).
Last night, I noticed plenty of “saver” availability in business class on two Air Canada routes in January (including during the Australian Open tennis championships!):
Vancouver (YVR) to/from Sydney (SYD)
Vancouver (YVR) to/from Brisbane (BNE)
Note: Now, you might be thinking, “I don’t live in Vancouver, how can this benefit me?” Here’s the reality of points and miles: if you want to travel in luxury, sometimes nonstops just aren’t going to happen. The good news here is that there is decent award availability with a connecting flight from the U.S. so it may be worth “positioning” to Vancouver.
How much: From 120,000 miles round-trip, 75,000 miles one-way
Class of service: Lie-flat business class
Airline: Air Canada
Route: YVR-BNE, YVE-SYD
When: Various dates in January
How to book.
The best way to see if there’s availability at the low-level “saver” rate is using United Airline’s booking calendar. While you can book with United, you’ll have to use at least 90,000 United miles each way.
Here’s where the power of partner airlines and transferable points comes in.
Booking with ANA: 120,000 miles roundtrip (roundtrip is required)
Transfer points to ANA with Amex. Note this is not instant but reports indicate that you can place a reservation on hold while this processes.
Booking with Air Canada Aeroplan: 85,000 miles one-way
Transfer points to Air Canada with Amex, Chase, Capital One
Booking with Avianca LifeMiles: 80,000 miles one-way (if you have a domestic connection in economy, this rate drops slightly)
Transfer points to Avianca with Amex, Citi, Capital One
Questions? Respond back to this email or DM me on Instagram.
What I booked.
I snagged a flight from LAX-SYD via Vancouver for ~75,000 Avianca LifeMiles + $70 in taxes and fees in late January. The segment from LAX-YVR is in economy while the long-haul is in business.
See ya down under, Australian Open!
Support my work.
Have a side hustle or small business?
Consider the no-annual-fee Chase Ink Cash or Chase Ink Unlimited cards. The sign-up bonus includes $900 cash back (or 90,000 Ultimate Rewards points if you already have a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve). Here’s my referral link.
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Earn points on your biggest monthly recurring expense: rent. Transfer those points to over a dozen hotel and airline partners, all with no fees. Here’s my Bilt credit card referral link.
Are you an assigning editor?
Interested in assigning a story or working with me? Respond back to this email directly or reach out to chris@thechrisflyer.com.
Have a great rest of the week and happy holidays, Modern Travelers!