Business Class to Singapore for (Almost) Free: How Emma and Liam Saved $9,000 Using Points
Emma and Liam secured their dream Business Class flight, maximized their points, and now have a deeper understanding of leveraging loyalty programs for future travels.
Per Person:
✅ Ticket Purchase Value: $5,500
✅ Points / Miles Opportunity: 87,500 Aeroplan Miles + $115.50 CAD in taxes
✅ Using Emma’s Aeroplan Miles (Valued at $0.015 per point, as of March 2025), the ticket redemption values at $1,312.50Singapore Airlines
💰 Savings of $4,187.50 Per Person 💰
✴️ Alternative: United MileagePlus (valued at $0.012 per point, as of March 2025) transferred to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer for 92,000 miles + $200 in taxes would have been valued at $1,104, saving only $4,396 per person.
The Journey to Singapore in Style
After months of planning their dream vacation to Southeast Asia, Emma and Liam were eager to finalize their flights from Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN) in December 2025. They aspired to travel in comfort but were initially deterred by the high costs of Business Class fares. However, after consulting with me, they discovered they could experience premium Business Class travel for a fraction of the price using points and miles.
Here’s how I assisted them in securing an exceptional Business Class flight at minimal cost—and why they’ll never consider economy tickets again.
The Consultation: Unlocking Luxury for Less
Emma and Liam were unfamiliar with the intricacies of booking premium cabins using points. They had accumulated Aeroplan Miles and United MileagePlus miles but were uncertain about how to maximize their redemptions.
We scheduled a 60-minute Zoom session, during which I guided them through the process:
1️⃣ Understanding Their Travel Goals: They desired a flight from EWR to Singapore (SIN) with a balance of comfort and efficiency. They were flexible with dates but preferred evening departures.
2️⃣ Exploring Redemption Options: I shared my screen to explore various options for booking Business Class seats.Given their Aeroplan Miles and United MileagePlus miles, we evaluated both programs.
3️⃣ Finding the Best Deal: Two redemption paths emerged:
- Aeroplan Miles at 87,500 miles + $115.50 CAD in taxes per person
- United MileagePlus at 92,000 miles + $200 in taxes per person
4️⃣ Making the Booking: Considering the value and lower taxes, we transferred 175,000 Aeroplan Miles and secured the flights promptly.
Total savings? Nearly $9,000!
Emma and Liam were delighted with the seamless process and looked forward to their luxurious journey.
The Deal: Business Class Comfort at a Fraction of the Cost
Securing a Business Class award seat on the route from EWR to SIN can be challenging, but with flexibility and strategic point usage, we found an incredible deal for Emma and Liam.
- Cash Price: $5,500 per person
- Award Ticket: 87,500 Aeroplan Miles + $115.50 CAD in taxes
- Savings Per Person: $4,187.50
Considering that Singapore Airlines' Business Class is consistently ranked among the world’s best, this was an outstanding redemption value.
The Business Class Experience
Singapore Airlines is renowned for its luxury, and its Business Class offers an exceptional travel experience. Here’s what Emma and Liam can anticipate:
🛂 Priority Check-in & Lounge Access: They’ll enjoy priority check-in and access to exclusive lounges, featuring fine dining, relaxation areas, and top-tier service.
💺 Lie-Flat Seats: The Business Class cabin features lie-flat seats, providing ample space and comfort for the long-haul journey.
🍽️ Gourmet In-Flight Dining: They’ll indulge in gourmet meals, complemented by a selection of fine wines and champagne.
🛏️ Turn-Down Service & Amenities: With plush bedding and high-quality amenity kits, they’ll experience hotel-like comfort in the skies.
This flight promises to be a memorable experience, setting the tone for their adventure in Singapore and beyond.
The Redemption Options: Aeroplan vs. United MileagePlus
While both Aeroplan and United MileagePlus were viable options, Aeroplan Miles emerged as the clear winner for several reasons:
🔹 Aeroplan Miles
✔️ 87,500 miles per person
✔️ $115.50 CAD in taxes
✔️ Valuation: $1,312.50 per ticket
✔️ Lower surcharges
🔹 United MileagePlus
✔️ 92,000 miles per person
✔️ $200 in taxes
✔️ Valuation: $1,104 per ticket
✔️ Higher taxes and fees
By choosing Aeroplan, Emma and Liam saved points and significantly reduced out-of-pocket costs.
The Final Decision: Aeroplan Miles for Maximum Value
Ultimately, transferring American Express miles into Air Canada's Aeroplan to book the Business Class tickets was the optimal strategy. The lower redemption rate and reduced fees made the process efficient and cost-effective.
