Wouldn’t it be nice to jet off overseas every year or so—without forking out thousands for flights? For one clever Sydney mum, that dream is a reality, thanks to her knack for racking up frequent flyer points on just about everything she buys.
If you’ve ever wondered whether those points programs are worth the effort, read on—because Layla Roberts’ story might just inspire you to start collecting (and travelling) smarter!
Layla, 52, is a mother-of-one and a professional life planner who’s turned everyday spending into a ticket home to the UK every 18 months. She’s not splurging on things she doesn’t need or chasing after every shiny new deal.
Instead, she’s simply maximising the value of her regular expenses—think groceries, electricity, insurance, and even her phone bill—by ensuring every dollar spent earns her precious points.
‘I actually don’t think I’d be able to see my family that often if it weren’t for all these points,’ Layla shared.
‘It would be so expensive otherwise.’ And she’s not exaggerating. Last year alone, she spent half a million points to take her family to the UK for Christmas and her sister’s wedding, with side trips to Singapore and even Lapland to see the northern lights (a true bucket-list adventure!).
‘It was about 250,000 Virgin Velocity points in economy for all three of us – plus 200,000 points for Qantas and 70,000 points for American Airlines,’ she said.
Of course, there are still some unavoidable costs. Taxes and fees for all those flights came to about $3,000, but as Layla points out, that’s a fraction of the $10,000 her friends paid for similar trips during peak season. ‘It’s nothing compared to what I would have had to pay,’ she said.
So, how does she do it? Here are Layla’s top strategies for maximising points and making travel dreams come true:
1. Make Every Dollar Count
Layla’s golden rule is simple: if you’re spending money anyway, make sure you’re earning points. She’s signed up for both Virgin Velocity and Qantas Frequent Flyer programs, and she links her everyday spending to these accounts wherever possible. That means using points-earning credit cards for bills, groceries, and even insurance premiums.
She recently switched insurance providers just to snag a 50,000-point sign-up bonus. ‘If I am spending this money already, I might as well get something for it,’ she says. It’s a mindset shift that can pay off big time.
2. Use the Right Tools
One of Layla’s secret weapons is the Velocity Shop & Earn Google Chrome extension. This handy tool alerts her whenever she’s shopping online at a store that offers Velocity points. ‘It’s amazing,’ she says. ‘Ninety per cent of the time, it shows you if that store will earn you points.’
She also makes the most of supermarket loyalty programs. By linking her Flybuys account to Velocity, or her Everyday Rewards to Qantas Frequent Flyer, she ensures her weekly shop is always earning her something extra. And when special ‘Point Booster’ offers pop up—like 5,000 Velocity Points for a single gift card purchase at Coles—she’s quick to take advantage.
3. Choose the Right Credit Card
Layla recently signed up for the American Express Velocity Platinum Card, which came with a whopping 200,000-point sign-up bonus. While the annual fee is $440, she says the value is clear: ‘Once you realise where these points can fly you to—such as 120,000 return to London—it’s worth it.’
Of course, credit cards aren’t for everyone, and it’s important to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. But if you’re disciplined, the rewards can be substantial.
4. Keep Track and Plan Ahead
With millions of points earned and redeemed over the years, Layla admits it can be tricky to keep track. That’s why she’s developed her own tool to help clients (and herself) maximise their points. ‘They would ask me things like, ‘This is how many points I have, what do I need to get more, what bills do I need to change?’’ she explains.
Her advice? Start with what you’re already doing. Even a couple of clicks in the Flybuys app can set you on the right path, automatically transferring points to Velocity once you hit 2,000.
5. Don’t Forget About Taxes and Fees
While Layla’s flights are ‘free’ in terms of points, she still pays taxes and surcharges—about $3,000 for her family’s last big trip. But compared to the $10,000 her friends paid for similar flights, she’s still coming out well ahead, especially during peak travel periods.
6. Share the Knowledge
Layla’s passion for points has spilled over into her business, The Happy Life Organiser, where she helps busy professionals streamline their lives—including their points strategies. She believes anyone can get started, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
‘Just buy what you’re already buying and start with what you’re already doing,’ she says. ‘It’s about making your everyday spending work harder for you.’
The Bottom Line
Layla’s story proves that with a little planning and a few smart choices, you can turn everyday spending into extraordinary experiences. Whether it’s visiting family overseas, ticking off your travel bucket list, or just saving a bit on your next holiday, those points can really add up.
Key Takeaways
- A Sydney mum is able to take her family overseas every 18 months by maximising frequent flyer points on everyday spending such as bills, groceries and insurance.
- She uses tools like the Velocity Shop & Earn Chrome extension and signs up for credit cards and insurance with high point bonuses to boost her points balance.
- Despite having to pay around $3,000 in taxes for the flights, she saves thousands compared to the full price of international travel, especially during peak times.
- She’s developed a tool to help others maximise their own points, encouraging people to link their rewards programs and use apps like Flybuys and Everyday Rewards for extra benefits.
Have you tried collecting points for travel? What’s your best tip, or your biggest win? Share your stories and questions in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you’re making your money work harder for you!
