IFLYflat - The Points Whisperer

23/05/2024

Fast track to Accor (Hotels) Live Limitless Gold status.

Simply register by clicking the button below, then book and stay 3 nights at over 1,200 Asia Pacific properties by 31 December.

Your 3 nights can be booked in one stay or across multiple stays.

This text will appear in the Google results page.

23/05/2024

Why use points?

As you may know, I love points because I know how life-enhancing and valuable they are. However, I often feel frustrated that others don't 'get it'.

Over the past two weeks, I created a short guide explaining why points are so great. If you're curious about points, take just five minutes to read it—it might be the best time you spend all week.

Understanding points is like learning to ride a bike—once you get it, you can go anywhere.

A summary guide to the benefits of using credit card & airline points to fly Business Class.

06/04/2024

This Monday, 8th April 2024, Qantas unveils its new Classic Plus points rewards, a topic that's been buzzing in the news AFR and on TV in recent weeks.

Classic Plus introduces a new way to use points for Qantas flights only (excludes Jetstar or partners).

The number of points required is linked to the cash price of the flight: for Economy class 1 point equals 1 cent and for Business Class 1 point equals 1.5 cents. This dynamic rewards system means the points needed will fluctuate with airfare prices.

With Qantas very successfully growing its 15 million members and expanding its partnership network, the airline has set its sights on earning $1 billion annually from its loyalty program by 2030.

The good news.
They've committed to maintaining 5 million of Classic reward seats each year, which are set-priced on distance rather than airfares - these reward seats remain the best value ways to use points.

Those 5 million seats probably actually mean 2.5 million round-trip seats, so a top level view says 12.5 million members each year are left without seats.

So it was clear that Qantas had to do something for their members.

Enter Classic Plus.
Thankfully, rather than inflating the general points required for flights, which could have sparked widespread 'rioting'.

Instead, it offers an alternative, more seats for more points.

Let's do some maths:
A round-trip business class flight from Sydney to Los Angeles.
Cash airfare =A$14,000,
Classic Plus = 933,333 pts (14000/1.5 cents),
Classic Reward = 216,800 pts plus taxes/fees

This calculation shows Classic Plus could be approximately 4 times more expensive than Classic Rewards.

Similarly, on another time and date, if this business class flight was priced at A$10,000, Classic Plus would require 666,666 points (10000/1.5) about 3 times more than the Classic Rewards' 216,800 pts option. (Round-trip SYD to LAX)

However, viewing from another angle, using Classic Rewards to book a business class round-trip valued at A$3,253 plus taxes (216,800 points at 1.5 cents each) demonstrates significantly better value compared to the Classic Plus flight prices of $10,000 or $14,000.

Would I opt for Classic Plus?
YES - If I was earning 1 million points for free or at no costs, certainly, as it's akin to a free $15,000 business class ticket.

NO - if I had to earn those points with 1% or 2% fees attached, I'd be sticking with Classic Rewards.

For me, it's a matter Cost vs Benefit.
It's all in the maths.

To me, it is always a good idea to give customers more options so they can decide what works.

Summary:
Classic Rewards = Unchanged.
Classic Plus = More seats at 3x to 4x more points.

ONE appealing aspect of Classic Plus could be the potential to earn status credits, which might tip the scales for some members locked on chasing status.

The secret to using points well is understanding that it is a numbers game. Like running a business, get the numbers right and the rest is a holiday.

01/04/2024

Emergency Update - We had to shut Wilbur down.

He kept booking tickets for himself,
and Wilbur wouldn't stop using points+pay, despite all the additional efforts we put into prevent such an awful waste of points. 🤣

P.S. Happy April Fools 2024!

We hope you enjoyed this one.
https://www.iflyflat.com.au/wilbur/success

What’s not a joke is our new service:
THE FLIGHTS CLUB - Exclusive for business owners who like to fly flay without paying hefty prices!

31/03/2024

I couldn't be more excited to finally launch my
new pet project TODAY.

Travel revolutionised by Ai
Wilbur is Australia's first AGI travel assistant.
Developed by iFLYflat Labs

Wilbur knows you better than even you know you
Wilbur listens and reads your emails and chats to
learn everything about you and intelligently plans
the perfect trips you didn't even know you
needed!

I would love you to try it out and get your
feedback. 😍

https://www.iflyflat.com.au/wilbur

Introducing Wilbur: Your new travel assistant. With you wherever you go. As featured in Travel Daily. Created by iFLYflat Labs.

29/03/2024

Something very exciting launching this Monday

06/02/2024

My best podcast yet.

It's rare to find a business owner who is as passionate and understands the power and value of points as Adam Schwab,

because the magic of using points isn't in the nerdy hacks but in the practical use that enhances your life while saving significant $$$.

That's why I had an absolute delight talking to Adam Schwab and Adir Shiffman on "The Contrarians with Adam and Adir" Podcast.

In this new episode, of the podcast which I've been a fan of since the start.

We lay out the pure basics of why anyone would even bother messing with points, and then dive deeper into how the maths of it makes it a no brainer for anyone who can get access to earning points.

I'll be interested in your thoughts.

Listen via Spotify, Apple or whereever you get your pods.

Search for THE CONTRARIANS
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1qyj0wOKioefveWkx5WYSq?si=laccMEt1RRWrIjoYqTABjw

01/12/2023

Understanding using points to fly can be complicated, so I have re-written it as an analogy, here goes.... let me know if it sticks.

Think of using points to fly like using a special coupon book for flights, particularly the fancy Business Class ones.

Here's an easy breakdown of how my approach works:

1. Points as Flight Coupons: The big deal about points is that they're like special coupons you can swap for flight tickets.

2. Avoiding Price Rollercoasters: Normally, the cost of Business Class tickets goes up and down like a rollercoaster, depending on the time of year and even the day of the week.

But when you use points, it's like having a 'fixed price' coupon. No matter when you fly, the 'coupon' (or points) needed for a trip from City A to City B doesn't change.

3. Steady Points Cost: Just like a coupon has a fixed value, the points needed for a flight stay the same, even if the cash price jumps up and down.

4. Getting More for Less: I've figured out a way to collect these points at a cost that's way lower than the actual cash price of a Business Class ticket. It's like getting a high-value coupon for less than half its worth!

To see the real impact of this approach, take a look at this comparison.

It illustrates the substantial savings on Business Class flights when using points instead of cash.

Spoiler alert - BUSINESS OWNERS can save up to 48% off on Business Class fares on a repeatable basis.

DocSend

30/11/2023

Check out this comparison I made. It shows how much you can save on business-class flights by using points vs paying cash.

Hint - it is 48% off repeatedly.

DocSend

30/11/2023

I've added a Whatapp chat button to this page if you have questions, you can now reach me easier.

30/11/2023

The inaugural Virgin Voyages has arrived in Australian waters, and here is a chance to use just 99,999 Velocity Points to redeem for a cabin (sleeps 2).

Be quick, until 4 December 2023 only.

Another batch of Access Keys have been released, now at 99,999 points each.

17/11/2023

You've got lots of points but can't use them? 🤔

You are certainly making at least one of the 5 biggest mistakes people make using points.

This is the LAST online event for 2023 - So don't miss it!

Event Details
When: Next Tues 21st Nov at 12:30pm - 1.30pm (SYD/MEL time. ZOOM zoom)

Nov 21st - 12:30PM SYD time. Get your exclusive free online pass!

11/10/2023

EVENT: Where Would You Go With 1 Million Points?
When: Thu 26th Oct at 12:30pm - 1.30pm SYD/MEL time (Zoom)

In this lunch-time hour of power, you'll learn:

- The 3 biggest mistakes people make with reward points.
Avoid these common and costly 'rip-off' mistakes.

- 3 ways to use 1 MILLION airline points
How much are 1 million points worth? The answer will surprise you.

- How to earn 1 MILLION airline points FAST
If you run a business, don't miss this part.

Save $5,000 to $10,000 for every Business Class ticket booked with points. Leverage points to create the travel of your dreams.

Free Online event with Steve Hui. October 26 - 12:30PM SYD.

31/07/2023

Catch my interview with Jane Jackson Career Coach on how I went from Accountant at Macquarie Bank to The Points Whisperer on airport billboards and known by everyone who enjoys flying Business Class.

In this fascinating episode 248 of Your Career Podcast, anyone who loves to travel and fly business class using frequent flyer points will love this! I had t...

25/07/2023

Earn points to fly.
Not fly to earn points.

This way is the future of frequent flyer 'loyalty' programs.

Have you reaped the benefits?

19/07/2023

Don't know if you are interested, or if you know someone who needs to hear/learn this - I've just launched a webinar for next Wed 12:45pm (Lunch and learn)

Designed for business owners that run Australian based companies with $2m to $50m in annual revenues.

Imagine how great it will feel to fly BUSINESS CLASS next year and EVERY YEAR by using POINTS

31/03/2023

As a sneak peek, we are thrilled to announce a ground-breaking rewards initiative that will change the way you wait on the phone forever. 😍

For years, Australians have been requesting a solution to the tedious and unproductive time spent on hold.

And starting tomorrow, we're proud to introduce the WORLD'S FIRST-EVER rewards program that allows you to earn points while you wait ON HOLD. 📞

https://www.iflyflat.com.au/announcement

A more rewarding way to stay on the phone. Launching April 1.

11/08/2022

The easiest 1,000 Qantas Business Reward points you can collect.

To earn 1,000 bonus Qantas Points, a business must log in to their Qantas Business Rewards account between 00:01 (AEST) 11 August 2022 and 11:59pm (AEST) 31 August 2022

and click ‘Activate offer’ in the ‘Recommended for you’ section of their dashboard.

While you are at it - take a look at your POINTS BALANCE.
- Are you going to use them?
- Do you know how much in $$$ those points are worth?
- Want to learn know how to fly Business Class with them?

28/07/2022

Parlay your Qantas Silver, Gold, Platinum, Chairman's or Points Plus status > into Accor Hotels ALL Gold Status.

This opens up Accor Gold to a huge audience.

This link shows what Accor Gold gets:
https://all.accor.com/loyalty-program/cards-status-benefits-details/index.en.shtml

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/member-offers/accor-gold-status-offer.html

Upgrade your ALL - Accor Live Limitless status to Gold with this exclusive offer.

27/07/2022

How does it feel to have the whole Singapore First Class cabin to yourself? - Watch to see how I used all 8 seats during the flight.

Such a contradiction to the chock-a-block flights occurring right now.

Have you experienced an empty cabin?

iFLYflat founder and CEO Steve Hui did something, everything.

16/07/2022

16/07/2022

Amex surcharge to pay Vodafone mobile bills, dropping from 2.15% to 0.94%.

While not 0%, it is cheap.

https://www.vodafone.com.au/support/billing/pay

Setting up automatic direct debit is the best way to pay your bill.

03/07/2022

Also in this press release is the news that also from Wednesday, the hated (piece of cr # #) Digital Passenger Declaration App is no longer required. 👏👏👏

I hope the govt also seeks a refund from the app makers. ⚠️

"Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil will from Wednesday also end a requirement for people coming into the country – Australian citizen or not – to complete a digital passenger declaration, saying the government had listened to feedback about the app’s problems."

“While in time it will replace the paper-based incoming passenger card, it needs a lot more work to make it user-friendly,” she said."

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/covid-vaccine-requirement-to-be-scrapped-for-international-arrivals-20220703-p5ayoj.html

The federal government will remove one of the last health rules stopping some tourists from travelling to Australia, as well as scrap the digital passenger declaration.

14/06/2022

Next Tuesday, June 21st at 5pm AEST - I'm running a FREE Zoom Masterclass that will help you earn your first million points.

This session is specifically for Small Business owners in Australia with under $2m turnover.

Like with money, your first million is the hardest, once understand the process, it's easy to earn mountains of more points each and every year.

When: June 21st, 5pm AEST (40min + Q&A)
Where: Zoom - Register Here - http://www.iflyflat.com.au/webinar

What: Discover a simple plan to turn your business into a points-generating machine by paying everyday bills and expenses with the right credit card.

11/06/2022

I'm running my next webinar to help you fly Business Class on your points.

Tues 21st June - 5pm.

"How to get your first million points"

Like with money, getting your first million is the hardest, and then once understanding improves and your process gets right, then it gets very easy to earn mountains of points every year.

Once again, my webinars will be raising money in supporting the essential work of Little Wings Childrens Charity.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/how-to-get-your-first-million-points-with-steve-hui-the-points-whisperer-tickets-359002655607

Learn how to earn your first million airline points with Steve Hui - Australia's Points Whisperer. This is a FREE event.

07/06/2022

Where have all those reward seats all gone?

I share my thoughts in this article.

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/why-it-s-almost-impossible-to-book-a-flight-with-points-right-now

A ‘perfect storm’ has seen the supply of seats bookable with frequent flyers points falling well short of skyrocketing demand.

03/06/2022

Looking for a winter project?

This ridiculously detailed 40,000 piece Lego model of the Emirates A380 aircraft comes complete with an onboard lounge and working first-class suites.

If you’re a Lego enthusiast, here’s a piece of news you simply cannot miss! We’re talking about a 40,000-piece Emirates Airbus A380 Superjumbo that has

22/05/2022

Reminder: The March QTR BAS payment is due this week.

If you've been paying the ATO directly with a credit card OMG PLEASE STOP please 🛑.

There is a BETTER way, where you can earn double the points for lower transaction fees.

You're literally throwing money down the drain (and I'm not talking about taxes themselves 😜)

I can show you how to turn your ATO bill into Business Class flights by using credit cards to pay in the right way (including transaction fees) —in this video: How to get cheap Business Class seats paying your ATO bill (link - https://www.iflyflat.com.au/ato)

Or if you want my personal guidance 1:1 to get it exactly right and earn maximum points for the lowest transaction fees, book a Points Guidance Session. (link - https://www.iflyflat.com.au/guidance)

After implementing and using the right business credit card and paying bills the right way, my clients can regularly fly Business Class around the world for less than half the regular airfare.

Salary-heavy industries like recruitment, consulting and services can benefit from paying the ATO the right way (PAYG, GST etc).

Just yesterday in my session I helped a client earn 1.8 million points paying an expense he didn't even know could be paid by card.

On-Demand Webinar with Steve Hui.