Flying in business or first class may seem like a luxury reserved for wealthy travelers, but savvy use of credit card points can make these coveted experiences accessible to many. Aaron Wong, founder of the Singapore-based travel blog The MileLion, shows how dedication to earning miles can turn a five-star flying experience into a reality without the high price tag.
The Price of Flying First and Business Class
For many, the cost of flying business or first class remains prohibitive. A round-trip economy class ticket from Singapore to London on Singapore Airlines typically costs around SG$1,700 ($1,303.68) if booked six months in advance. In comparison, the price of a business class ticket soars to SG$6,300, while first class climbs to over SG$13,000.
The price gap, while dramatic on long-haul flights, can be somewhat smaller for shorter routes. A flight from Singapore to Tokyo Haneda, for instance, costs about SG$1,300 in economy, SG$4,200 in business, and SG$7,600 in first class.
Aaron Wong, who flies business and first class multiple times per year, argues that you don’t need to be wealthy to experience such luxuries. Instead, he relies on miles and points to book his flights at minimal cost.
The Strategy Behind Wong’s Travel
Wong, a former management consultant, founded The MileLion after leaving his job in 2015. Since then, he has taken around eight to nine business and first-class flights each year, many of which are nearly free. His secret? Maximizing credit card points and converting them into airline miles.
Choosing the Right Credit Cards for Maximum Miles
Wong emphasizes that there isn’t a single “best” credit card for earning miles—it all depends on individual spending habits. He recommends having multiple credit cards, each tailored to specific categories such as online shopping, dining, or transportation. The goal is to accumulate as many “bonus” miles as possible from everyday purchases.
For instance, certain cards in Singapore offer 4 miles per dollar on select spending categories, compared to just 1.2 to 1.4 miles on standard cards. Wong likens the selection of credit cards to tools in a toolbox: “You wouldn’t use a beer opener for wine. The same logic applies to credit cards.”
Using multiple cards effectively can dramatically increase miles earned. Wong explains that spending SG$30,000 on a basic miles card could yield 45,000 miles, enough for a round-trip economy ticket to Perth. However, by using specialized cards that offer bonus miles, that same spending could generate 120,000 miles—enough for a business-class round trip to Cape Town.
Navigating the Miles Game
While the rewards of miles-earning cards are attractive, Wong admits that the process requires some effort. Unlike cashback cards, which provide straightforward refunds, miles cards come with fine print that requires attention. Cardholders need to be aware of the bonus categories, spending limits, and points pooling rules, which vary by bank.
For example, credit cards from Singapore’s DBS Bank allow points pooling, meaning users can combine points from different cards. On the other hand, Citibank Singapore cards do not offer this feature.
Additionally, some cards automatically convert points to miles, while others require users to manually redeem points. The expiration of points also varies, with some having no expiration while others have a set validity period.
Wong reassures travelers that, contrary to popular belief, one doesn’t need to hold a stack of credit cards to earn miles efficiently. “Truth be told, three or four cards are usually enough for most people,” he said, adding that only those who spend large amounts annually would benefit from more.
The Rewarding Experience of Flying for Free
Despite the intricacies, Wong believes the miles game is worth the effort. “The rewards are good, and that’s why people are willing to invest the time and mental energy,” he said.
Wong’s personal philosophy is that miles are a reward for purchases he would make anyway. By strategically earning miles through normal spending, he’s able to enjoy the luxury of business and first-class flights without paying the high price. He emphasized that he would never spend SG$6,000-$7,000 on a business-class ticket, but thanks to miles, he doesn’t have to.
Final Advice for Aspiring Miles Chasers
Wong advises travelers to be cautious about overspending just to accumulate miles. “Some people justify spending more to earn more rewards, but I don’t advocate for that,” he said. Instead, he encourages people to view miles as an added bonus to their regular purchases—one that can unlock premium travel experiences at a fraction of the cost.
In his words, miles provide a “five-star experience on a one-star budget,” making luxury travel attainable for those willing to put in the effort to chase rewards.
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