My Five Best Mileage Redemptions Ever
Intro
Throughout my years of travel on cash and points, I have found that there are a few redemptions I have made that have stuck with me to this day. Of course, these are personally subjective, but to me, these are my top 5 redemptions ever, in no particular order.
Number 1: Singapore Suites
Finding Saver space for Singapore Suites is a challenging process. It becomes especially difficult when you factor in two flights on Singapore First Class, as both have to be available in the saver category.
As fate would have it, I somehow found space from Jakarta to Singapore on the 777-300 in First Class and Singapore to New Delhi in Suites on the A380-800. To some, Christmas Day might sound horrible on a plane. However, I was already away from my family, so I figured this was a fun way to spend it.
The flight in itself was one of the best flights I have ever taken. I lucked out and had two suites all to myself, which meant a double bed in the sky! Combined with the private room and the Singapore 777 First Class, it was spectacular. It was as if I was living in a dream for a day.
And of course, the 777 in First Class.
Overall, singlehandedly, it was the best day of flying in my life, and with my dramatic family, perhaps the best Christmas.
Number 2: 12 Hours In Qatar Business 40K AA Miles
The second redemption I will speak about is actually going to be fully reviewed in the next few days. Having to get home from Bali to the US, the prices were outrageously expensive. American has a sweet spot when it comes to Qatar Airways, as you can fly from Denpasar to Cairo for 40,000 Miles in Business Class and First Class. This also means access to the Al Safwa First Class Lounge in Doha.
The best part of the whole trip was the Jacuzzi. Having a jacuzzi in the airport is something I will truly never forget. Combining that with no one sitting next to me (making for a double bed), this was a truly memorable redemption.
Overall, it was one of the best redemptions I have made with the products that were offered.
Number 3: Thai Airways First Class
Usually, a single First Class redemption wouldn't make the list, especially since I redeemed quite a few United Miles for it when it might have been cheaper on other programs.
However, the flight onboard Thai Airways is one I will never forget. Nobody had seemed to really fly the product before I flew it (at least no reviews, is what I mean), so it was extra exciting. Additionally, I had also just finished 8 months in rehab and was heading back to school.
The total of the ticket came out to 140K United Miles+limited fees. However, it wasn't just for this flight; I was able to fly from Jakarta-Bangkok in Business, Bangkok-London in First, and Polaris from London to Newark, all included in the cost.
Number 4: Lufthansa First Class
A long time ago, before I started blogging or reviewing airlines, I secured a deal to fly from Mexico City to Frankfurt to Singapore in Lufthansa First Class, all for around a total of 140K United Miles and minimal fees. With the time I spent on the plane and how hard it was to find saver space for 2 flights in Lufthansa First Class, this was an unbelievable redemption.
While I never got around to reviewing those flights, I have reviewed Lufthansa First Class from Washington, DC, to Munich, which is simply a flawless product.
Number 5: Aeroplan Around The World
Aeroplan is a very unique program, with some awards being outrageously expensive and others being very good bang for your buck. I recently flew around the world on an Aeroplan booking from New York to Warsaw, Warsaw to Istanbul, Istanbul to Dhaka, and Dhaka to Bangkok for 87.5K miles
The trip was one of the most memorable ones I have taken, but also one of the most tiring trips I have taken. For those looking to spend a long time being pampered in business class on a plane, this is the award for you.
Flying on the likes of Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and LOT was an absolute treat. This trip is one that I will remember for a long time, especially with the stop in Dhaka. All in all, take advantage of this Aeroplan reward chart.
Final Thoughts
Over the years, good redemptions have become far fewer, with the majority of nicer seats either being too many points or not enough availability these days. These five redemptions might not have been the best in terms of cash per point, but these select flights are the ones that I remember the most. Singapore First Class, Thai First Class, and so much more, all for a fraction of the price.
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