How to Fly Business Class on Repeat with Points (without Ever Settling for Economy Again)
Written by Isaac Monti
I’ll admit it: I’m no longer interested in flying economy. When I travel with my family - I want us to be able to sleep on overnight flights so we can hit the ground running upon arrival. Does it always kill jet lag? Not entirely. But being able to stretch out and rest makes a world of difference, especially when we’re flying to Europe in the summer.
The best way to consistently score business class without paying thousands in cash? Points and miles.
Why Points Are the Key
A one-way business class ticket from North America to Europe typically runs about 70,000 Aeroplan points + $100–300 in taxes and fees. That can take you almost anywhere in Europe - Munich, Warsaw, Zurich, Frankfurt, Istanbul, and beyond -flying on a variety of partner airlines.
For example:
Toronto to Munich on Lufthansa: ~70k Aeroplan + $200 in fees
Montreal to Zurich on Swiss: ~70k Aeroplan + $150 in fees
Toronto to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines: ~70k Aeroplan + $300 in fees
These prices are consistent across many European destinations, making Aeroplan a go-to program for transatlantic business class travel.
Instead of being tied to one airline, I focus on accumulating points that allow me to book multiple airlines (aeroplan) or points that are transferable to multiple partners (American express points). This flexibility is what allows me to actually book the seats I want when availability opens up.
What If You’d Rather Go to Asia?
Europe isn’t the only sweet spot. Aeroplan also offers great options to Asia, often starting at 75,000–87,500 points one-way in business class, depending on your routing. You could fly carriers like ANA, EVA Air, or Singapore Airlines, and enjoy a truly world-class experience - again for a fraction of the retail ticket price.
Best Strategy for Canadians
For Canadians, American Express cards are the strongest play. They regularly offer huge signup bonuses, and Amex Membership Rewards points transfer directly to Aeroplan.
Pro tip: optimize your grocery spend. If you shop at stores that accept Amex, you can earn up to 5 points per dollar - and that adds up very quickly. (Sorry, Costco shoppers - you’re out of luck here!)
For Canadians: The Amex Cobalt (referral link) is my #1 recommendation. 5x points on groceries and dining (which transfer to Aeroplan) makes it unbeatable.
Why is 5x points on groceries and dining such a big deal?
Spend $2,000 a month on those categories and you’re earning 10,000 points every month — that’s 120,000 points a year. Enough for nearly two one-way business class tickets to Europe, just from everyday spending. And that’s before you even factor in the signup bonus.
Another banger recommendation for those serious about maximizing points and understand that it costs money to make (or save) money…. the Amex Aeroplan Reserve (referral link) is our golden nugget. If you’re looking to quickly earn a large number of points while enjoying premium travel perks like free checked luggage on Air Canada, priority security, and lounge access, this card gives you a strong head start.
Best Strategy for Americans
If you’re based in the U.S., you’re spoiled for choice. The most powerful cards are from Amex, Chase, Citi, and Capital One, all of which offer flexible currencies that transfer to multiple airlines (including Aeroplan).
That means you can collect from multiple ecosystems and funnel them where you need when the right flight pops up.
For Americans: The Amex Green Card (referral link) is my top starter pick thanks to its travel/dining multipliers and strong transfer partners. As well as Chase Sapphire (referral link).
Putting It All Together
The recipe is simple:
Sign up for a high-bonus transferable points cards (Amex in Canada, or Amex/Chase/Citi/Capital One in the U.S.).
Maximize your everyday spending (especially groceries) where you can earn multipliers.
Build a pool of flexible points you can shift to Aeroplan or other programs when it’s time to book.
Plan ahead - award availability is real, but it rewards those who start early.
Want a Personalized Plan?
This strategy works, but it gets even more powerful when tailored to your specific travel goals, timelines, and spending patterns. It’s how we fly business class on REPEAT. Not a one hit wonder kinda play… but on repeat. If you’d like a personalized trip and card strategy, I recommend booking a one-on-one audio only zoom consultation with me (Isaac Monti). Together, we’ll map out the fastest path to your next family trip in business class.
Love this. Thanks for sharing.♥️
much needed and super appreciated, guys. thank you for taking the time to explain and suggest this. I love both amex and chase for this reason! welcome to the stack!