The Secret to Discounted Business Class Travel - Air Canada and Aeroplan....

[@stevenarmstrong4512]

Great work. Nonstop educational videos! Thanks.

[@AdamLlewellyn]

Dan-good videos

[@MattsPlanet]

Ha ha - you worked it out!

[@boxjcb]

Flying next month from London to Los Angles. Old me would have ended up in Economy, but after watching your videos I’m flying Business Class for only small amount more. Keep up the good work!

[@Rydia704]

Have you got a link to the process that Matt / you have used? I find this all confusing

[@boxjcb]

@@Rydia704 I signed up to the BA Amex card and used the 2-4-1 redemption. It’s a busy route so found finding availability pretty easy. Using the BA shopping portal to help increase the earnings was also a big help.

[@MattsPlanet]

Kind of you to share. Have a great trip!

[@SpiderMacKenzie]

Another interesting & great video Mat 🎄🕷😊🎶

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks!

[@twobins2060]

Well done, Matt. We are all enthusiasts, and you're correct. Information like this should be freely available.

[@MattsPlanet]

Hope it helps!

[@bigjack.]

He strikes again! Another brilliant video, Matt - and cracking point about other creators charging for this information. Thank you!

[@MattsPlanet]

All knowledge should really be free....

[@PaulAinsworthLord]

Excellent video Matt !

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Paul

[@jsj4172]

Great video - I'm always trying to keep an eye on buy points offers like this to find value - requires a bit of work but really pays off. In that vein, worth mentioning that Finnair currently has a 50% offer on buying Avios (which can be transferred to BAEC). Works out about 0.88p per point (when buying over 75k). Not bad!

[@MattsPlanet]

I had noticed that Finnair sale - that is superb value if you need avios in bulk....

[@Glawnerd664]

I’ve spent many happy hours playing around with airline and flights sites after watching your informative videos! I didn’t know about this at all, though since flying with Air Canada I have avoided them and not visited their site. However, off to their site now … hoping all your watchers haven’t rushed there & caused it to crash! Thanks Matt!

[@MattsPlanet]

I would love to know if there's been a spike in aeroplan sign ups...

[@alexandermallett1852]

Love the video! (And the dig at a certain KZbinr!)

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks!

[@SotiriosAligiannis]

Another video that is pure gold. Aside from outright purchasing the miles, I would draw a cheat sheet of airlines and fare classes that are meaningful to post in Aeroplan program, especially those that do not post anything in other programs, e.g. LH premium economy to Aegean's program. I will do that some time. On another note, next Friday I'm flying Air India's newest A350 (Aeroflot's that is) from Bangalore to New Delhi, in economy. Bought it for £80, and then offered £99 to upgrade to business class. Still thinking of what to do, maybe I'll take the bite. Keep on Matt!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! £99 sounds like a bargain to me to experience that cabin....

[@neilhenderson7084]

Great video as always Matt thanks. Will definitely be checking this out for our 20th wedding anniversary trip next year.

[@MattsPlanet]

If you're planning a trip that's a way off, that's the best as you can keep an eye open for those better points discounts

[@neilhenderson7084]

@@MattsPlanet yep it's likely October to fit around holidays so now's the time to start!

[@Immi_croissant]

This was a phenomenal video! I love it when you go DEEP into acquiring and redeeming points cheaply. Can you make a video please or tell me here how you get points at 0.22p per avios? Top video this.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - I did explain the 0.22p here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpDLYWCQgayVb9U

[@Immi_croissant]

@@MattsPlanet Thank you!

[@nickalliker6219]

Superb info ; thanks for sharing

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for watching

[@GRD1978]

Amazing work as always Matt and appreciate your in-depth explanations. I can only comment on Gulf Air, but just be aware they are actually a very competitively priced airline on many routes from London in Business Class. I've flown them from London to Manila and Bangkok (via Bahrain) for around £1600 return on several occasions, including all taxes. I like them as an airline, the Apex Suite is very good. But just feel they are lacking compared to the other muddle east carriers. For example flight crew can be very mixed, you can get exceptional service on one flight and rude crew on another. Also their IFE is not great. But for these prices I am happy to fly them. The Bahrain hub is a lovely airport, compact but beautiful construction and the lounge is fine. If you have more than a five hour stopover, I recommend the free Bahrain tour.

[@MattsPlanet]

Actually flying Gulf in a couple of months - long haul and short haul. Looking forward to it actually as the seat is great

[@CallumElsdon]

Nice video Matt :) I too like Aeroplan and the breadth of partners - my only issue with the programme was extremely long holding times (1h+) when making amends - this was back at the end of 2023, so hope they've improved there!

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers Callum. Not had to call them but I have heard that it can be a chore.... I'm the sort of traveller who very, very rarely changes plans once they're made though!

[@ss-xy2im]

Thank you very much Matt, a whole new world to explore

[@MattsPlanet]

Have fun exploring!

[@Julian-ck6lf]

Brilliant Matt as always! 😊

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks

[@meilenesel]

Hi Matt thanks for this video. I wasn't aware of this possibility...just now I'm going to open an aeroplan account. Have a great day.

[@MattsPlanet]

It's a good way to pass a rainy afternoon even if you don't actually buy any points!

[@meilenesel]

@@MattsPlanet Indeed :)

[@jamessimmonds812]

A very interesting video as always, and some amazing value for money being demonstrated. However, although money spent this way will make for some great experiences and give the opportunity to try some new, possibly developing airlines, it won't help to hit any targets at existing frequent flyer schemes. As good as the discounts may be, personally, I think I value maintaining my BA Gold Card more than paying money to a rival carrier and alliance for a redemption. Loving the work as usual Matt 👍🏻

[@MattsPlanet]

Absolutely - if I only made videos about getting BA status it would be a bit repetitive!!! I tend to secure my BA status early then mix it up a bit with other experiences through the year

[@jamessimmonds812]

Having recently gone through the status matching offered by SAS's Eurobonus scheme prior to them joining SkyTeam, I guess I should be mixing it up a little too 😉 I know a number of BA Exec holders having done the same with many of us not knowing much about the scheme...any scope of a video there showing the most efficient ways of retaining it?

[@papi8659]

Great content Matt, more of this would be brilliant

[@MattsPlanet]

I'll see what I can do!

[@CallumT5]

Another informative video Matt. Thanks

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers Callum

[@Trigger1973]

Thanks Matt, that is fantastic information and provides so much opportunity to experience business travel, that would be missed by the uninformed (i.e. me). much appreciated

[@MattsPlanet]

Happy flight hunting!

[@j2simpso]

Just thought I’d chime in to say I’ve used the stopover feature quite extensively. One booking I made was Sydney, Australia to Toronto with a 2 week stopover in Zurich. I flew Etihad business over to Zurich then continued my journey flying TAP Air Portugal to Toronto. All for 110,000 Aeroplan points at the time. Then for the return back to Sydney I flew LA to Sydney with a 4 day stopover in Seoul flying Asiana business the whole way through. Again for 110,000 points

[@MattsPlanet]

I have one coming up myself in Mauritius - the opportunity is real!

[@timtony7153]

Hi Matt, Brilliant content as ever. Watching this video after reading HfP today on QR, offering 50% avios bonus 10 days ago, and then overnight dubbling fees for avios redemptions without warning makes me wonder how much value you can place on any currency of any program, as the owner of that currency can single handed change the value!!! Thank god I can travel freely in F and J without having to be controlled by any FF sheme! Stay well, look forward to next week, Regards Thomas

[@MattsPlanet]

Qatar hasn't helped things, although I 💬 I they're bringing themselves in line with BA rather than devaluing the avios themselves...

[@RandomLifeProductions]

I cannot stand you tubers charging for sensible advice so thank you from being so informative… I normally get cheap flights but don’t originate in the uk ever on long haul… I’m starting my points redemption journey soon fancy a jail trip to japan

[@MattsPlanet]

It's been a while since I started in the UK as I hate paying that APD

[@RandomLifeProductions]

Just arrived back From Corfu, interesting airport, no lounge though unless you have a priority pass….

[@charlesontravels]

I definitely appreciate any points program that makes it easy to search for availability before you buy/transfer points or even set up an account. Wow, I had no idea that he charges that much for his points program! But it does seem fairly common practice online to charge crazy money for courses.

[@MattsPlanet]

Part of me thinks I should do the same but a bigger part of me thinks all knowledge should be free!!! Particularly top notch stuff like this!

[@user-mirastas]

Hello Matt. I did similar things with BA. 200k avios for £1800. I've got return ticket to Melbourne in Qatari Qsuit. It is like 65% off. Good luck to everyone. Have a nice day. Mira

[@MattsPlanet]

That certainly works!!!

[@sanjaysethi1]

Great video - Aeroplan is really tough though to get availability. Example...looking to ANA or UA from ANY US city and nothing for months on-end. Have BA Avios and same thing trying to get any availability on AA. And they all are routing via Canada (Aeroplan) or London (BA Avios). There has to be a better way! Thanks again!

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers - if you have a specific, high demand route in mind then availability is going to be tough - crossing the Pacific is probably the most in-demand route on the planet.... When I've looked more generically on less pressured routes, I've found availability to be pretty good....

[@sanjaysethi1]

@@MattsPlanet Thanks for the reply and insight! Spent a few hours on BA to get from FRA to Tokyo (FRA has cheaper fees than LHR) in March, April, May 2025 in Business and very few options with 1 seat on Qatar. There has to be an easier way with all the technology available to find reward availability across all airlines on different routings on a monthly “view”! I’d pay for that! Thanks again.

[@nav33d]

You sir, are a saint!

[@MattsPlanet]

I wouldn't go that far!

[@PC69]

fantastic and very informative video Matt, I knew some of the principles but this has added much needed clarity and advice. I especially appreciate opportinties east & south as I already use the BA exec vouchers and points but they lack really good for those regions.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimmyjames6492]

❤AEROPLAN❤ Thanks for the info + video!

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers mate

[@wessexTim]

Excellent ideas again Matt!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks Tim - happy hunting!!!

[@iansmith2549]

One word. Brilliant!!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks

[@038kp]

Just booked a ridiculous price Polaris seat from IAD to LHR via Newark. The same seat cash was $3202. I paid 60,000 points + £43.85. The seat was HEAVILY discounted because the first domestic flight is in economy and the 2nd long haul flight is in Business. Unbelievable value for money, I thought I was seeing things when I saw the price as it was cheaper than all the other routes in premium economy. The price is made even better because my credit card had a 20% transfer bonus to Aeroplan, so I sent over 24,000 points and I bought 30,000 points for £390.

[@MattsPlanet]

Superb! Jealous actually... I had to cancel a Polaris trip recently so have been on the look out for a replacement and this sort of thing would work nicely... I think I could cope with that first leg on Economy!

[@038kp]

@MattsPlanet keep an eye out for them. They seem to be on off peak Tuesdays for some reason. Flight from IAD to newark is only an hour and a bit. The only thing is theres a long 6 hour wait in Newark , I'm hoping they let me into the Polaris lounge while I wait given I'll be midway through a ticket and the second ticket is Polaris.

[@brendonmcmorrow3886]

Very useful stuff. I was aware of this route to value but haven’t explored it thus far. But I may do now! I baulked at the cost of that educational programme but only because I couldn’t work out if it was worth its cost (although the KZbinr in question seems to know what he’s talking about). I may have signed up if the cost had been lower.

[@MattsPlanet]

I think he said that 200 people had signed up... He will share a lot more than I have but most of it isn't hard to work out....

[@adamingleton8529]

This is why I quite like my amex gold card...can use the points for a variety of transfer partners :) Then shopping at tesco and sainsburys to get virgin /avios respectively.

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed that is a great plus.... And if you can run a small business through an amex you can get hundreds of thousands of points!

[@gdotmoney96]

​@@MattsPlanet how so matt ??

[@gdotmoney96]

Great video btw. Anything on the Qatar airlines price increase?

[@MattsPlanet]

If you buy a lot of stuff for your company with an amex you can do very well.... ​@@gdotmoney96

[@gdotmoney96]

@@MattsPlanet yeah im not quite on the hundreds and thousands mark sadly. I thought there was some kind of hack

[@ianpalmer9795]

Brilliant Matt , many thanks

[@MattsPlanet]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@edhayes2256]

Thanks Matt, great content as usual. Couple of questions 1) I assume purchased point post instantly? 2) the Cape Town flight is that 80k each way or 80k return?

[@MattsPlanet]

Virtually instant posting and 80k each way. Sadly.... Still good value though!

[@MBG-Ltd]

Hi Matt, I'm looking for a 240 BA Tier Point run to maintain Gold, any ideas? Thank you Regards Mani

[@GG-hi5if]

160 tp destination in europe, then anywhere return short in europe (or uk domestic) for 80 more; Sofia bucharest athens helsinki canary islands malta sicily greek islands istanbul Then anywhere like paris stockholm dublin or uk domestic in club.

[@MattsPlanet]

Hi Mani - the other reply is a good summary! 240 is a tricky number - its a return long haul business trip (gets you 280 - slightly too many - although will be expensive), a short haul plus destination which is doubled to a holiday (gets you 320 - waaay too many and needs 5 days), a connecting trip to a short haul plus destination (240 on the nose) or two shorter trips.

[@SmartWithPoints]

Huge fan of Aeroplan! The only thing missing is to be able transfer points from Amex UK!

[@MattsPlanet]

I don't have a membership rewards amex but I thought AC was a transfer partner?

[@dangerzone9565]

Hey Dan! ... I mean matt 😂 silly me! What would you say works better avios redemptions or aeroplan!? Not something I've considered until now! Tia

[@MattsPlanet]

Have you ever seen us in the same room at the same time??? Ha ha.... Aeroplan has far more options for redemptions but avios are much easier to get hold of....

[@AndrewBrogan-j7r]

Another great video. Think it has already made an impact as Aeroplan seems to have dropped the points offer down to 75% from 85% yesterday 😞

[@MattsPlanet]

I really hope that's not true!!!!

[@AndrewBrogan-j7r]

​@@MattsPlanet Unfortunately so! OMAAT, Prince of Travel (who just recycles everybody elses news anyway 😆 ), Award Wallet etc are still showing there's an 85% bonus on points until October 10th, but when you go on to the Aeroplan site it now shows 75% bonus until October 10th. I'm waiting for the next 100 or 125% offer to buy the next tranche but finding F The Suite on ANA through Aeroplan is so hard nowadays.

[@AndrewBrogan-j7r]

@@MattsPlanet Unfortunately it seems to be. OMAAT and a few others are still showing 85% bonus until Oct-10 but Aeroplan are now showing 75% until the same day. I will personally be waiting until the next 100 or 125% bonus offer to buy the next tranche, and then hopelessly searching for some ANA 'Suite' redemption availability. Keep up the good work with the videos. 👍

[@rtb5365]

Excellent information as always. It does beg a couple questions though: did you buy the Aeroplan points, transfer them to other airlines and THEN buy your tickets via the other airlines, or did you buy points and flights all on Air Canada's website?

[@MattsPlanet]

Points and flights all bought and booked through Aeroplan.

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Good video. Had thought of getting one of those Currensea cards but can't see that it offers me any advantage over using my Clarity credit card.

[@MattsPlanet]

Not familiar with clarity - any card charges fees somehow and currensea feels the "thinnest" of any I've seen so feels like one of the cheapest options. No points, but you pay for them one way or another...

[@birkcorn]

Heyy Matt great video will sure to check this out. Did you miss out turkish airlines? Or its not good value?

[@MattsPlanet]

I know Turkish can be good for matching status then retaining it, not seem much about it being a good option to buy points. Although every scheme sells points... From what I've seen, air Canada is the best option from star Alliance

[@jacksparow421]

what do you think of revolut and revpoints? In france, it's better than amex.

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm not too familiar with them. I know revolut has a loyalty scheme which is of marginal interest....

[@ianworthington2324]

Can you not front your amex card with something like curve to remove the fx fee?

[@MattsPlanet]

Curve doesn't work with Amex - they want to and legally should be able to, but Amex won't let them...

[@martinaussenhof2852]

Thanks Matt!

[@MattsPlanet]

Cheers Martin

[@santstravels]

I flew LH in F and J LHR-EZE return which gave me a fair few points/miles, did I make a mistake by crediting to MM instead of Aeroplan? What's done is done but would like to know for future ref.

[@MattsPlanet]

If you were chasing status Air Canada wouldn't have helped... And points don't accumulate into schemes equally so it's hard to give a definitive answer

[@santstravels]

@@MattsPlanet fair enough. I think I will probably redeem them on another 747 flight anyway as I've still got the 400 to tick off my bucket list!

[@chatucker]

@1:50 I feel this was a not so veiled dig at a certain half - Swede :D

[@MattsPlanet]

Moi? Surely not...

[@chatucker]

@@MattsPlanet when I heard that one talk about his programme... I gotta admit I was wondering how long it would take for you to weigh in - that topic felt right up your alley 😅

[@charliebrown5]

Thank You ✈️

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for watching

[@farangtravels3956]

Nice one 👍

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks ✌️

[@dag4390]

Cheers for this. Have you heard about Qatar surcharges increases?

[@MattsPlanet]

I did see.... More bringing in line with BA I think but still unwelcome

[@adamingleton8529]

​@MattsPlanet I see these charges have already been somewhat reversed.

[@richardstreet7518]

Matt.. Great vlog. .. re Patreon - what contribution level please to join the away day's please?

[@MattsPlanet]

It's explained on Patreon but the middle and upper tiers get the invites

[@matthewgordon-banks7553]

Excellent.

[@MattsPlanet]

Have fun!

[@karu1402]

Nice hat 🎩

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - happy memories....

[@alfaa_44]

So would this work for BA club world

[@MattsPlanet]

The economics are quite different but in essence yes. Find a good promotion for buying avios and it can be made to work.

[@alfaa_44]

@@MattsPlanet would i still use Aeroplan or use avois website

[@slavchick2602]

You dissin' the lovely Dan? :)

[@MattsPlanet]

Part diss, part jealousy!!!

[@heyimJaxin]

hey u said ba can get discount business from starting in Dublin can u help me w virgin where to start for discount tysm

[@MattsPlanet]

Virgin is trickier as they dont have a short haul connecting network. But I did find a fare from Dublin which took me to Vegas with a connection in on Aer Lingus that worked

[@heyimJaxin]

@@MattsPlanet tysm i reaspext u

[@Wds__99]

I’m in canada and use aeroplan. I do see these discounted points come up often which is great and all but you must have a horseshoe up your butt to find any business class reward availability. The aeroplan site is so clunky and slowing one day at time only. I rarely see a b class seat come up that’s not asking for over 300k points for.

[@MattsPlanet]

It is odd that the host airline has the worst availability. Travelling east from London it's really quite good!

[@adamingleton8529]

Lots of youtubers also portray a life using points constantly...yet may involve the dodgy world of manufactured spend ....failing to declare how they somehow use million of points per year...even at the generous rate of 4 points per $, that is still alot of money to earn/buy points

[@MattsPlanet]

There's a pretty high ceiling on how many aeroplan points you can buy... But manufactured spending is dangerous

[@ravinagardas5795]

Nonstop dan :D

[@MattsPlanet]

By jove I think they've got it!

[@DeltaAlphaNovember27]

Who is the youtuber? 🤔

[@MattsPlanet]

I think others have guessed....

[@DeltaAlphaNovember27]

@@MattsPlanet I’m a little slow I guess. Hate that guy 😂

[@mfu11er]

1:50 who charges $1000? Spill the tea.

[@MattsPlanet]

Keep watching, I do!

[@tugboat6313]

Non Stop Vegan 😂

[@farangtravels3956]

I often wondered how much he was charging

[@heyimJaxin]

hello

[@MattsPlanet]

Hello George - if your real name is Trevor I'll be disappointed!

[@heyimJaxin]

@@MattsPlanet so confused i’m george i swear

[@heyimJaxin]

@@MattsPlanet have u got a video on like travel advice thank u

[@trimley]

Content not for me

[@MattsPlanet]

Can't win them all!

[@trimley]

@@MattsPlanet indeed, but I’m eager to watch your next offering

[@trimley]

On another angle you may or may not find this interesting kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWS7aniBeL-Hb8Usi=YSFKMvXyOte8VHnp Not selling you anything I might add and not airline based

[@jh-mz2wy]

Must be the Nonstop swede vegan guy. Shocking that he's is now taking advantage of his followers.

[@MattsPlanet]

I couldn't possibly comment....

[@yvr2002rtw]

I stopped watching his trip reports as he always orders vegetarian meals. As a meat eater, I prefer to watch videos of other people who also eat meat!

[@charlesjay8818]

Great Video👍 Your right...... paying a $1000 to Non stopdan is a bloody ripp off. What a cheek to price gouge that amount of money Shame on him! You can find everything on you-tube for free...... save yourself a grand

[@MattsPlanet]

People do seem happy to pay it though!

[@charlesjay8818]

@@MattsPlanet I'm not that sure that he sells that many $1000 packages, most people will probably know it's a scam, but there will be a few who will fall for it PS: just watched your Emirates 1st class flight video 🙂

[@Glawnerd664]

I’ve spent many happy hours playing around with airline and flights sites after watching your informative videos! I didn’t know about this at all, though since flying with Air Canada I have avoided them and not visited their site. However, off to their site now … hoping all your watchers haven’t rushed there & caused it to crash! Thanks Matt!

[@MattsPlanet]

You don't ever have to set foot on AC to benefit from their scheme