If you’ve ever daydreamed about jetting off to a tropical paradise or visiting the grandkids interstate but balked at the price of flights, you’re not alone.
But what if we told you that you might be sitting on a hidden travel treasure trove… right in your wallet?
That’s right, travellers! Many Aussies are sitting on a goldmine of travel opportunities, and with a few clever strategies, you could be flying for a fraction of the usual cost.
Travel expert Adele Alessio, founder of Champagne Mile, shared clever tricks and insights to help you make the most of your points and get you in the air for less.
The Points Bonanza: How to Get Started
Banks are currently rolling out some of the juiciest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen in years: think up to 100,000 points in your first year, and sometimes even more if you stick around for a second year. That’s enough for multiple domestic flights or even a taste of business class luxury!
But before you rush to sign up for the first flashy offer, Adele Alessio has a word of caution: ‘It’s really important to not just look at the bonus points. Look at the inclusions you get with a card and also the earn rate that you’re going to get ongoing when you’re spending each month.’
She added: ‘You can get 10, 15 flights for Zone 1 (premium economy), or you could get yourself potentially business class one-way to Asia or two-thirds of the way to Europe in business.’
Beyond the Bonus: What to Look for in a Rewards Card
While those big, shiny bonus points are tempting, the real value comes from the ongoing earn rate (how many points you get per dollar spent) and the perks that come with the card. Some cards offer complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access, or even free hotel nights, perks that can add up to hundreds of dollars in value each year.
Before signing up, ask yourself:
- What’s the annual fee, and does it outweigh the benefits?
- Are there any restrictions on earning or redeeming points?
- Does the card partner with airlines you actually want to fly with?
- Are there extra perks that suit your travel style?
‘Most of us wouldn’t just put all of our money in one share. It’s the same with points,’ Alessio shared.
How Far Can Your Points Take You?
You might be surprised! Domestic reward flights can start from as little as 6,000 points (think Sydney to Melbourne on Velocity or Jetstar). With a hefty sign-up bonus, you could score 10–15 short-haul flights, a one-way business class seat to Asia, or get most of the way to Europe in style.
And don’t forget, points can also be used for upgrades, hotel stays, car hire, and more. The key is to plan ahead and be flexible with your travel dates.
Diversify Your Points Portfolio, Just Like Your Investments
Adele recommends treating your points like an investment portfolio: ‘Most of us wouldn’t just put all of our money in one share. It’s the same with points. You really want to diversify across different programs, and that gives you a better chance of then unlocking opportunities with reward seats.’
That means spreading your points across programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer, Velocity, and flexible cards that let you transfer points to a range of airline partners. This way, you’re not left high and dry if one program has no reward seats available.
Think Outside the Box: Alternative Routes and Partner Airlines
Everyone wants to fly from Sydney to London, but those seats get snapped up fast. Instead, look for partner airlines or alternative routes.
Sometimes flying via Asia or the Middle East can offer better availability and value. Many programs let you book with partner airlines, opening up a world of possibilities (and often, better service!).
Smart Search: Incognito Mode and Other Booking Tips
You might have heard that airlines bump up prices if you keep searching for the same flight. While Adele notes that price parity is usually consistent, it doesn’t hurt to use your browser’s incognito or private mode when searching for flights, just in case. And always compare across multiple booking sites and the airline’s own website.
Also, while the lure of free flights is strong, remember that credit cards come with responsibilities. Always read the fine print, watch out for high annual fees, and never spend more than you can afford just to chase points.
Key Takeaways:
- Credit card reward points can help Aussies score cheap flights, with some banks offering up to 100,000 bonus points in the first year.
- Travel expert Adele Alessio advises not to focus only on bonus points when picking a card, but to consider ongoing earn rates and included benefits.
- Reward flights can start from under 6,000 points for short domestic trips, and savvy use of points could even score business class flights to Asia or a good chunk of a flight to Europe.
- Alessio recommends diversifying points across different programs like Qantas, Velocity, and flexible cards, and considering alternative airline routes for better availability and value.
Have you scored a bargain flight using your credit card points? Or do you have a favourite tip for making the most of your rewards? We’d love to hear your stories and advice, so pop your thoughts in the comments below and help your fellow members travel smarter!
