Why Fly Premium?

Introduction:

There are generally two camps of travelers: those who’ve experienced premium flights and are forever spoiled, and those who simply want to get from Point A to Point B. If you’re in the latter camp, prepare to be converted!

In this post, we’ll explain how premium flights go beyond just the seat, their outstanding value when redeemed with points, and what to expect in terms of out-of-pocket costs.

TLDR:

• Premium travel transforms your journey: Beyond simply getting to your destination, premium cabins offer unmatched comfort and space, exceptional service and amenities, and an elevated airport experience.
• Points unlock incredible value: Using points for premium flights provides significantly higher Cents Per Point (CPP) value compared to economy redemptions.
• It’s not free, but it’s highly discounted: While you’ll still pay taxes and fees, the out-of-pocket cost is minimal compared to the retail price, often resulting in a 90% or greater discount on a business or first-class ticket.
• The payoff is worth the effort: Despite the time and effort required to collect points and find award availability, the ability to experience luxurious travel and create unforgettable memories makes it incredibly rewarding.

Beyond Just a Seat:

You might be thinking, “The plane doesn’t get there any faster, so why bother flying in a premium cabin?” While it’s true that the flight duration remains the same, but flying in a premium cabin transforms the journey itself from a means to an end into an integral part of your adventure.

Flying premium is about much more than just a seat. It’s about optimizing your travel experience from start to finish:

• Unmatched Comfort & Space: Forget cramped knees and stiff necks. Premium cabins offer generous space, including lie-flat beds in business and first class, significantly more legroom, and wider, more comfortable seating. This means arriving at your destination feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to go, rather than needing a vacation from your flight.
• Exceptional Service & Amenities: From the moment you step on board, you’ll notice the difference. Dedicated flight attendants provide personalized service, gourmet dining experiences await with multi-course meals and premium wine selections, and thoughtful amenities like luxurious kits and even pajamas ensure your comfort. It’s truly an elevated experience, not just a mode of transport.
• Elevated Airport Experience: Your premium journey begins long before you board. Enjoy exclusive lounge access, offering complimentary dining, refreshing showers, and quiet spaces away from the bustling terminal. Bypass long lines with expedited security and priority boarding, allowing you to settle into your seat calmly without fighting crowds, searching for power outlets, or dealing with unreliable Wi-Fi.
• Seamless Arrival Benefits: The perks continue even after you land. Benefit from quicker deplaning, allowing you to be among the first off the aircraft, and priority baggage handling ensures your luggage is among the first to arrive at the carousel.

Understanding the Value:

While the luxurious experience is priceless, we can also quantify the incredible value of the ticket. This is where “Cents Per Point” (CPP) comes in. CPP helps us understand the monetary value of each point redeemed. For premium cabin redemptions, this value often skyrockets.

For example, a one-way flight from Taipei to Seattle in business class costs $4689.

Instead of purchasing the flight with cash, I was able to redeem this flight for 75,000 Aeroplan points and $113.50 in taxes and fees.

For this redemption the value per point is ($4689 – $113.50 / 75,000 = $0.061 or 6.10 CPP).

Compare that to an economy redemption, which might only yield 1.5 CPP, and you can see why premium redemptions are the holy grail for points and miles enthusiasts.

Managing Expectations:

While you’ll be avoiding the hefty cash price of a premium ticket, these redemptions are rarely completely free. You will still be responsible for taxes and fees, which can vary significantly depending on the airline, routing, and departure country. However, even with these out-of-pocket costs, you can often expect to receive a 90% discount or more on the retail price of a business or first class flight. It’s an incredible way to experience luxury travel without worrying about the price tag.

Conclusion:

So, why fly premium? It’s about transforming your entire travel experience. From exclusive lounge access and gourmet dining, to lie-flat beds and arriving refreshed, premium travel offers unmatched comfort, service, and convenience.

While collecting points and finding award availability takes effort, the payoff is immense. Redeeming points for a luxurious experience that would otherwise cost thousands of dollars, often at a discount of 90% or more, is the ultimate reward for your points-earning strategy. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about unlocking unforgettable memories and making your travel dreams a reality.

The next time you plan a trip, envision the journey itself as a highlight. With points and miles, that dream flight isn’t just possible—it’s waiting for you to experience.