Smart Tips For Booking First Class Flights On Points with Dave Grossman – Episode 170

Are you dreaming of flying in business or first class but don’t want to spend thousands? Want to earn significant points to redeem first class awards more often? With the right strategies and resources, you can make this dream of booking first class flights a reality using points and miles. In this blog post, Dave Grossman answers how to get cheap first class tickets using points. He also shares valuable insights on maximizing rewards, choosing the best credit cards, and leveraging various tools to afford luxurious first-class flights using points and miles.

Dave has spent the last 15 years traveling the world in first class using points and miles, saving tens of thousands of dollars. He enjoys the luxury and comfort of first-class travel and aims to help others achieve the same experience.

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First Class vs. Business Class Tickets

What’s the difference between business and first class?

First class offers the most luxurious airline experience, with spacious seating, lie-flat beds, premium meals and beverages, priority boarding, and more. Long-haul international first class flights typically offer more amenities. Not to mention personalized attention from flight attendants.

Airlines like Emirates and Etihad offer extravagant first-class experiences with onboard bars and showers, high-resolution cameras, and private suites.

Although first class is becoming less common on airlines, the remaining options are opulent.

Since business class offers a significant upgrade from economy, many airlines are opting out of first class to focus on simplicity and efficiency. For example, American Airlines has plans to remove all international first class and transcontinental first class within the next couple of years. Delta does not have a true first class product, only offering Delta One, which is their business class.

What do you get in business class?

Compared to economy, business class offers a significant upgrade by providing a more comfortable travel experience. While amenities and services vary by airline, you can expect wider seats, lie-flat seats on long flights, more legroom, amenity kits with toiletries, and a wider selection of food and drink options.

While business class offers a premium flying experience, flying first class is more exclusive and personalized.

What are some of the best first class flights in the world?

Dave Grossman recommends All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines for the best business class experiences and Emirates and Etihad for flying to the Middle East.

Emirates and Etihad offer unique first-class experiences, such as onboard showers and private super suites like “The Apartment” on select routes.

Singapore Airlines also launched a new first-class product that can combine two seats into one super suite with multiple amenities.

What’s the cost of a first class ticket?

The cost of first class tickets can vary depending on the airline and route.

Dave Grossman mentioned that first class tickets to destinations like Asia or the Middle East could run anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000. However, by using points and miles, travelers can often redeem these first class tickets for a fraction of the cost, paying only taxes and fees.

If you’re looking to fly in luxury without breaking the bank, using miles and points is one of the most affordable ways to book first-class flights.

Strategies to Earn Enough Points and Miles for First Class

Traveling in first class can be a dream come true for many, but the hefty price tag often makes it seem out of reach. However, earning enough points and miles to fly first class can become a reality with the right strategies.

Dave Grossman, founder of MilesTalk, shares valuable insights on maximizing rewards, choosing the best credit cards, and leveraging various tools to afford luxurious first-class flights using points and miles. Join us as we uncover the secrets to flying in style without the hefty price tag.

Step 1: Understand the Difference Between Points, Miles, and Cashback

Before diving into the world of points and miles, it’s essential to understand the difference between points and cashback.

Points and miles are typically earned through loyalty programs and credit card rewards. Points are typically transferable and can be used across various airline and hotel partners, providing flexibility. On the other hand, miles are earned within a specific frequent flyer program, limiting redemption options. Cashback offers a straightforward cash reward for purchases.

Step 2: Choose the Right Points and Miles Strategy

When earning points and miles, focus on transferable points offered by major banks like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Capital One Miles. These points can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, providing more flexibility in booking flights. Transferable points also offer the opportunity to take advantage of transfer bonuses, further increasing the value of your rewards.

Step 3: Utilize Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses

One of the most lucrative ways to earn points and miles is through credit card sign-up bonuses. You can quickly accumulate significant points or miles by opening new credit cards with generous sign-up bonuses. Look for credit cards that align with your spending habits and travel goals to maximize your rewards.

Some of my favorites include:

• Chase Freedom Unlimited
• Chase Sapphire Preferred
• CapitalOne Venture
• Wells Fargo Autograph

Step 4: Be Strategic with Spending

Maximize your points and miles earnings using credit cards offering bonus categories for regular spending. Look for cards that provide extra points for groceries, dining, travel, or other everyday expenses. Additionally, consider utilizing shopping and dining portals offered by airlines to earn bonus points when eating out.

Step 5: Understand Award Charts

Familiarize yourself with the number of points required for different destinations and cabin classes. Remember that some programs use dynamic pricing, where point costs fluctuate, while others have fixed award charts that do not change. In addition, some airlines have blackout dates when award seats are not available.

Step 6: Stay Organized with Tools and Resources

To streamline your points and miles strategy, utilize tools and resources to stay organized and informed. Consider signing up for bonus offer notifications and transfer bonus alerts to stay updated on the latest opportunities and maximize your rewards.

Point.me: A search engine that checks multiple airlines and programs for award availability. This tool provides real-time availability for award searches on multiple airlines. With a freemium model, you can do limited searches without paying.

Seats.Aero: Focusing on long-haul international flights, this tool automates reward searches and provides real-time availability for award searches. With a paid subscription, you can unlock features like searching for award space up to a year in advance instead of only two months with the free version. You can also set up free alerts to be notified when award space becomes available for desired routes.  

AwardTool: This website helps you find the best and lowest price award seats across multiple airlines simultaneously.

Tired of reading? Listen to this podcast episode on Spotify.

Step 7: Explore Business and First Class Redemption Options

Once you’ve accumulated many points and miles, it’s time to explore redemption options for business and first class flights. Most airlines allow you to search for award availability directly.

Consider positioning flights, taking advantage of stopovers, and other creative booking strategies to access premium cabin flights at a fraction of the cost.

You can also explore different airlines within the same alliance for better availability and deals.

When in doubt, ask questions inside supportive Facebook groups like MilesTalk, with nearly 40,000 members.

Tips For Booking First Class Flights With Points

Here are some additional practical tips from Dave Grossman on using points and miles to secure those coveted first-class tickets.

1. Be Flexible with Dates and Locations

First class award seats are often limited and booked quickly. To increase your chances of booking first class flights:

• be flexible with your locations
• consider adjusting your travel dates by a day or two
• be open to flying into nearby airports or using long layovers to access specific routes.

2. Know When Award Charts Open

How do you increase your chances of finding award seats?

Knowing when award charts open can give you an advantage, especially for popular routes like Asia and Australia. Airlines have varying timelines for releasing award availability, so knowing these dates can help you find the cheapest options for booking flights using points and miles.

Keep track of when airlines open their award charts to have the best chance of booking first class tickets.

When is the best time to book business class tickets?

The best time to book business class tickets is when the award chart opens up for booking, typically around 330-360 days before the flight. This is especially important for flights to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, which are in high demand for premium cabins.

By following these steps and utilizing the right tools and resources, find incredible deals and elevate your travel experience by flying business class and first class using points and miles.

Remember, the key to success in the world of points and miles is to stay informed, be strategic with your earning and redemption strategies, and always prioritize responsible credit card usage. Happy travels!

Other Travel Hacking Episodes You’ll Enjoy

Easy Ways To Earn Thousands of Points and Miles a Year – Episode 123

6 Travel Hacking Mistakes To Avoid – Episode 94

How To Get Free Hotel Upgrades with Julia Menez – Episode 79

Read the full podcast episode transcript below.

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Danielle Desir Corbett

Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.

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