Frequent Flyer Point Optimisation

Frequent flyer points open the door to a world of opportunities. Using points, you can travel to almost anywhere in the world. You can even fly in the comfort of Business or First class!

Many of us try to simply accumulate as many frequent flyer points as possible. But with a little bit of planning and thoughtful goal setting, your points can take you much further! Instead of first earning points and then deciding how to redeem them, our members suggest doing this the other way around… and for good reason.

One member’s point-earning strategy is to first decide where they would like to travel in the next 2-3 years. They then decide which frequent flyer programs to focus on, and work out how many points will be needed. The availability of award flights to desired destinations, the number of points required for each redemption and the ease of collecting points with each program are all considered.

Setting a point-earning goal, and developing a realistic plan to achieve it, greatly increases your chances of reaching that target. Rather than just accumulating aimlessly, goal-setting keeps your eyes on the prize and is a great motivator.

Another strategy used by some AFF members is to ensure there is always a certain number of points in their frequent flyer account. This could be enough points for a specific redemption or a specific number, such as 100,000 points. Any points above this amount are considered a bonus.

Our members have enjoyed great success by setting annual point-earning targets. One member estimates they’ve managed to redeem $100,000 worth of travel in the past few years, while spending just $6,000 to acquire the necessary points. Another frequent flyer has only paid for one international flight in the past 16 years. This member now earns an average of one million points per year! Many of these points have been earned through credit card spend and sign-up bonuses.

Do you use a point-earning strategy? Join the discussion HERE.

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.