Fly like you’re rolling in cash

Plenty of people have been flying around the world in First Class and staying at 5 star hotels for pennies on the dollar. How, you ask? Well, it’s all about maximizing your credit card rewards points. It may sound crazy, but it’s easier than you think, and I’m going to show you some of the flights I took over the past year and the points I used to get them. I’m not a points blogger, though — I’m more interested in flight experience and destination than how I paid for it — so read some of those blogs for tips on how to earn more points.

1. Emirates A380 First Class Suites

The credit cards:

1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
2. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express
3. Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express

What it costs:

One way for $21,548.30 OR 136,250 points and $750.00 from New York to Dubai, at an approximate value of $0.16 per point redeemed.

How cool is it?

There’s no doubt that Emirates First Class Suites are on the bucket list of many travelers, and rightly so — the experience is divine, from being welcomed with a glass of Dom Perignon all the way through to a shower in the shower suite shortly before arrival, at 35,000 feet! While you can use other points currencies (namely Alaska Airlines, Virgin America, and JAL), American Express Membership Rewards transfer instantly at a 1:1 ratio into Emirates Skywards, and generous signup bonuses and bonus categories makes the points accessible.

Just a little pre-departure Dom Perignon, thank you

Where else can you shower at 35,000 feet??

The spacious seat that reclines into a fully flat bed

The ultimate in privacy

My own personal minibar at my seat

 2. Singapore Airlines First Class Suites

The credit cards:

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve or Chase Freedom
2. Citi Prestige® Card orthe Citi ThankYou® Premier Card
3. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express

What it costs:

One way for $7,234.90 OR 74,375 points from Los Angeles to Tokyo, at an approximate value of $0.10 per point redeemed.

Why do you need to fly it?

Offering the only double bed in the sky, and Singapore is known for an impeccable service level from check in to arrival. The single suite is also great, and unlike other airlines feature a dedicated fold-down bed for the ultimate in sleep comfort. Fortunately you don’t have to worry about handing over more than $7,000 dollars for a one-way fare, as all three of the big credit card rewards programs can transfer over to Singapore KrisFlyer.

The suite with closed doors at night

Mood lighting captured on the world’s only in-flight double bed

Traditional caviar service and a glass of Krug Grand Cuvee

The fold-down fully flat bed

The luxury suite for 12 lucky passengers

3. Cathay Pacific First Class

The credit cards:

1. Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®
2. Citi Prestige® Card orthe Citi ThankYou® Premier Card
3. Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express
4. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American Express

What it costs:

One way ticket for $9,375.90 OR 110,000 American points or 105,000 AsiaMiles (Cathay) from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, at an approximate value of $0.09 per point redeemed.

Just how awesome is it?

There are no words. If you’re flying to Southeast Asia, you need to fly Cathay in one of the widest seats on any aircraft in an intimate first class cabin with only 6 seats. You’ll enjoy your choice of $150+ bottles of champagne to sip on during your multi-course meal, all before you slip into your designer pajamas by PYE and refresh with your exclusive Aesop amenity kit. Sounds expensive? It is, but no need to fork over nearly $10,000.00 for a one way fare to Honk Kong if your rewards credit card can transfer points over to Cathay’s points program, AsiaMiles.

No middle seats found here!

Traditional caviar service, a must for any first class flight

Krug Grand Cuvee before departure — $170 per bottle!!

Wide, luxurious bed with pajamas and turndown service

One of the widest seats in the sky – big enough for two people!