At age 61, I finally have the time (retired four years now) to figure out how credit card points work for travel, and you’re paving the way. Can you imagine how many decades I’ve wasted NOT EARNING POINTS!? It makes me crazy thinking about it, but at least I’m getting into the game now. Time for this old dog to learn new tricks! 😂 I’m especially grateful for the way you break down the process of how to use points and provide the rationale for why you make decisions that you do. (I’ve been watching your other videos about which cards to use and why - and why you get rid of some cards later and keep others. Enlightening.) Thanks for the content. This is just the beginning: I’ll be viewing many more of your videos. Travel has always been a big part of our life, and it’s even bigger now that we’re retired.
Awesome video here Kevin! Redemption videos like this one are super helpful to show people the full process for maximizing value for travel with points. I actually just recently transferred points over to Aeroplan from Chase with the current 20% transfer bonus for a trip I have at the end of 2023 to Central America.
Yeah I wish there was a bonus when booking this trip.. could've saved so much! Just couldn't let this award space slip though. Have you already booked your Central America trip?
@@KevinYang Absolutely! I haven't officially booked the trip yet, but knew I wanted to use Aeroplan for the stopover so definitely wanted to transfer the points now to take advantage of the transfer bonus.
Great video and good advice. Recently booked Qsuites roundtrip from ATL to JRO for 2 using the Amex BA 30% transfer bonus, then shifting the points to Qatar. Very excited for it.
Congratulations! That sounds like it'll be an amazing experience.. Everyone talks about Qsuites but I haven't had a chance to try it (or have plans to do so yet). One day!
I did Ana round the world on business. North America to east Asia, then ground transfer, (8moths later) then Istanbul to EU then North America. Changing dates is free, you cant change the airline. I got it for 68,000 miles and a lot of taxes maybe 900 dollars and I went Korea Japan and Taiwan this summer. Came back with Air Canada miles. Next year my trip restart from Istanbul and going back to N America. So if you happened to have Ana points, it’s a good way to use and it’s more flexible than a round trip. InterEurope flights on business ain’t worth it. So better doing a lot of stops in Asia.
That sounds amazing! Almost forgot about being able to space some of the flights really far apart to kinda have 2 separate trips even! I think trying to get enough time and planning that for a couple people would be quite hard tho!
Lots of flexibility and time searching! Usually the best times are either almost a year in advance, or 2-3 weeks out. Else you typically have to be *really* flexible or lucky!
Hi! After watching lots of videos I find that everyone does one way flights only, so what about the flight back? Do you pay for that flight out of pocket or do use points to also book a flight on points back? Is it far to find flights both ways on points? Sorry I just have so many questions
A few ways. If you find a return flight back that works for you, you could book that ahead of time! If not, you could pay cash, book a refundable flight first while you try to find a better one, or you wait and hope for the best! So far out of all my trips, I only had to push my luck (but still got lucky) for my most recent trip which I talk about here: th-cam.com/video/MViT-3Sdmv0/w-d-xo.html
Can you do a video about economy flights? I just can’t tell if they are all basic economy or not? Except for virgin, they usually show Main seating which is my preferred option! Thanks!!!
I watch your video twice but I don’t know which site you were looking where you see the wide range of the time . Usually when I look at Aeroplan . I can only check one day at a time. Pls advise
When you find the fight one way to your destination do you go ahead and book it first then try to find the flight back maybe another day or week? Or would you have to find the flight going and back first to book at the same time?
If you're flexible enough you can lock it in first (through Aeroplan, changes are $100, cancels are $150 CAD) then search for the return. For me, my first redemption was booked all together, while my second one I only booked the way there (+ stopovers) first.
Is it a good idea to transfer points to a travel partner if there are bonus offers (for example if the travel partner offers 30% to transfer) even if i don't have any plans to travel yet? So that I can use the points later in the future?
Usually people would recommend not transferring until you have a plan in mind, given devaluations and changes can always happen, and you always want that flexibility!
Kevin can you help me to book a ticket to india, round trip. Using chase points. I have 80k points i can use extra money too. To book business class ticket for april month
I’m planning on booking my October Korea trip but wasn’t sure to look for two one-ways or one round trip. People say it’s best to book 2 one-way because of the risk of the outbound flight getting cancelled. What do you think? Kinda conflicted which to do when browsing flights right now
@@KevinYang My assumption was that a round trip would be less hassle to find different flights, what’s your thought on that? Was trying to do the least amount of back and fourth with my transfers
@@timothynguyen1183 Imo it depends. Sometimes if it's far out enough, the flights for your return flight aren't even available yet. If they both are, then I think round trip is fine. If it's booked as one trip, then because they're connected it might be easier for them to arrange new flights for your trip all together, vs. 2 separate one ways
@@timothynguyen1183 I think before you decide on that, you should start checking if flights are available for the times you want first. Locking those in (even if just one way if the other way doesn't have availability) would be priority #1 imo
@@KevinYang My top one was my set of one way tickets to Paris, and I'm working on my second one now I have a trip to Milan booked for me and the Mrs. utilizing flying blue points that I got during a transfer bonus, I used points for a Hyatt in Rome that's right outside of the colosseum and I'm still trying to work out which product I'm going to redeem to fly us back to the states.
❓What has been your FAVORITE redemption so far? What about your favorite card to earn points?
At age 61, I finally have the time (retired four years now) to figure out how credit card points work for travel, and you’re paving the way. Can you imagine how many decades I’ve wasted NOT EARNING POINTS!? It makes me crazy thinking about it, but at least I’m getting into the game now. Time for this old dog to learn new tricks! 😂 I’m especially grateful for the way you break down the process of how to use points and provide the rationale for why you make decisions that you do. (I’ve been watching your other videos about which cards to use and why - and why you get rid of some cards later and keep others. Enlightening.) Thanks for the content. This is just the beginning: I’ll be viewing many more of your videos. Travel has always been a big part of our life, and it’s even bigger now that we’re retired.
Big time video right here! Kevin Yang killing the game and showing you exactly how he’s doing it!!
Huge thanks Luke!
Wow - in germany you have to spend 10.000 € (= 10.000 usd) in the first 6 month and only get 55.000 points
Awesome video here Kevin! Redemption videos like this one are super helpful to show people the full process for maximizing value for travel with points. I actually just recently transferred points over to Aeroplan from Chase with the current 20% transfer bonus for a trip I have at the end of 2023 to Central America.
Yeah I wish there was a bonus when booking this trip.. could've saved so much! Just couldn't let this award space slip though.
Have you already booked your Central America trip?
@@KevinYang Absolutely! I haven't officially booked the trip yet, but knew I wanted to use Aeroplan for the stopover so definitely wanted to transfer the points now to take advantage of the transfer bonus.
My favorite redemption was a Chase UR portal redemption for my first ever first class flight from JFK to SAN on Alaska Airlines!
Nice! So you got 1.25/1.5cpp value booking through the Chase Portal? How was Alaska domestic first class?
@@KevinYang 1.25 CPP using my CSP! And it was great!
@@MannyCovington Nice! Next step - international first class!
Great video and good advice. Recently booked Qsuites roundtrip from ATL to JRO for 2 using the Amex BA 30% transfer bonus, then shifting the points to Qatar. Very excited for it.
Congratulations! That sounds like it'll be an amazing experience.. Everyone talks about Qsuites but I haven't had a chance to try it (or have plans to do so yet). One day!
I did Ana round the world on business. North America to east Asia, then ground transfer, (8moths later) then Istanbul to EU then North America. Changing dates is free, you cant change the airline. I got it for 68,000 miles and a lot of taxes maybe 900 dollars and I went Korea Japan and Taiwan this summer. Came back with Air Canada miles. Next year my trip restart from Istanbul and going back to N America. So if you happened to have Ana points, it’s a good way to use and it’s more flexible than a round trip. InterEurope flights on business ain’t worth it. So better doing a lot of stops in Asia.
That sounds amazing! Almost forgot about being able to space some of the flights really far apart to kinda have 2 separate trips even! I think trying to get enough time and planning that for a couple people would be quite hard tho!
That was a mouth full great content thanks for sharing since I am fresh in the game I am learning keep that great content coming sir
Thanks for watching and glad you found it helpful!
would love to see more videos like this with different countries!
Are you able to write out your steps and tips? I feel like I got lost half way in
It's a lot of info, in fact too much with so many numbers and cards, it gets confusing and hard to keep up. Is there a simplified video of this?
Are there some specific questions you had in mind?
I'm not seeing any prices like that. For YVR to Singapore, the busines class flights are 275k points minimum. Am I doing something wrong?
Lots of flexibility and time searching! Usually the best times are either almost a year in advance, or 2-3 weeks out. Else you typically have to be *really* flexible or lucky!
Hi! After watching lots of videos I find that everyone does one way flights only, so what about the flight back? Do you pay for that flight out of pocket or do use points to also book a flight on points back? Is it far to find flights both ways on points? Sorry I just have so many questions
A few ways. If you find a return flight back that works for you, you could book that ahead of time!
If not, you could pay cash, book a refundable flight first while you try to find a better one, or you wait and hope for the best!
So far out of all my trips, I only had to push my luck (but still got lucky) for my most recent trip which I talk about here: th-cam.com/video/MViT-3Sdmv0/w-d-xo.html
Love the real world examples here. 🤑
Ay thanks! What has been your best redemptions so far?
@@KevinYang Hyatt Maui at almost 3cpp. I have a bunch of points I need to use, however…so I’m gonna see how much value I can squeeze out of them!
@@joshua.butler Definitely a good problem to have! Hyatt seems to be amazing in Hawaii.. I'll have to look at them more with a trip later this year!
Can you do a video about economy flights? I just can’t tell if they are all basic economy or not? Except for virgin, they usually show Main seating which is my preferred option! Thanks!!!
Really great information. However, no Singapore Airline comes up in my search. Is there a trick?
Takes time searching for the right availability!
Really appreciate your response! Definitely will keep looking as we really want to fly Singapore business class to India from San Francisco.
Got yourself a new subscriber 🔥
I watch your video twice but I don’t know which site you were looking where you see the wide range of the time . Usually when I look at Aeroplan . I can only check one day at a time. Pls advise
Try checking the United portal!
United slow to show Star Alliance flights for 2024 so far - was just on the phone with them for June 2024 flights to Europe
I've never used partners, but I'm deep in marriott. I heard that they are partners with UAL. Does that carry over into STAR?
Usually Marriott points you'd want to just use with Marriott. These kinds of options are more about flexible points such as Chase, Amex, Cap1, Citi!
When you find the fight one way to your destination do you go ahead and book it first then try to find the flight back maybe another day or week? Or would you have to find the flight going and back first to book at the same time?
If you're flexible enough you can lock it in first (through Aeroplan, changes are $100, cancels are $150 CAD) then search for the return. For me, my first redemption was booked all together, while my second one I only booked the way there (+ stopovers) first.
Thank you for the quick reply 😊
@@treasurehunter1713 Np, good luck!
Thoughts on Award Flights on ANA?
One of the best values out there! But a bit more work to figure things out with dates and all
What are the real benefits of business class? Worth something’s more than double the points??
Is it a good idea to transfer points to a travel partner if there are bonus offers (for example if the travel partner offers 30% to transfer) even if i don't have any plans to travel yet? So that I can use the points later in the future?
Usually people would recommend not transferring until you have a plan in mind, given devaluations and changes can always happen, and you always want that flexibility!
Kevin can you help me to book a ticket to india, round trip. Using chase points. I have 80k points i can use extra money too. To book business class ticket for april month
whats the website link you used to search for those flights?
I’m planning on booking my October Korea trip but wasn’t sure to look for two one-ways or one round trip. People say it’s best to book 2 one-way because of the risk of the outbound flight getting cancelled. What do you think? Kinda conflicted which to do when browsing flights right now
Another reason for 2 one ways is you can lock in one first!
@@KevinYang My assumption was that a round trip would be less hassle to find different flights, what’s your thought on that? Was trying to do the least amount of back and fourth with my transfers
@@timothynguyen1183 Imo it depends. Sometimes if it's far out enough, the flights for your return flight aren't even available yet. If they both are, then I think round trip is fine. If it's booked as one trip, then because they're connected it might be easier for them to arrange new flights for your trip all together, vs. 2 separate one ways
@@KevinYang Gotcha, I was planning a 2 week trip. In your opinion would you gravitate towards the round trip or one ways options
@@timothynguyen1183 I think before you decide on that, you should start checking if flights are available for the times you want first. Locking those in (even if just one way if the other way doesn't have availability) would be priority #1 imo
Hey thank for your video.. how do you get access to cowtool. Message says “ account does not have access to this cowtool..?
@4:35 United also shows SG availability
They do! Although I believe not to the same degree as Aeroplan does (a recent change in Dec 2022)!
Thanks for this video
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
Remember me when you hit a million subs
Maybe one day!
Does anyone know if the United airline bank hack is currently working for Amex Platinum members?
hey
👋👋
37hrs. Crazy.
Just gotta sleep through haha
VS ANA F REDEMPTION
Please I need your contact to book a ticket please to Canada
Great roadmap, I can definitely see people getting mega value from this tutorial!
Thanks Chad! What are the top redemptions you've done?
@@KevinYang My top one was my set of one way tickets to Paris, and I'm working on my second one now I have a trip to Milan booked for me and the Mrs. utilizing flying blue points that I got during a transfer bonus, I used points for a Hyatt in Rome that's right outside of the colosseum and I'm still trying to work out which product I'm going to redeem to fly us back to the states.
@@OfficialChadsMoneyMinutes Was your Paris redemption on Delta One? That Milan redemption sounds amazing!
1st
Was gonna say not 1st, but saw your other comment haha nice speed!
Great video at 2x speed
what website were you using at 5:35 into the video that shows the points needed to book the flight?
That's Aeroplan's own website!