How to fly to Southeast Asia for $684 roundtrip instead of $2552

Southeast Asia is arguably the best region in the world for travelers — especially for budget travelers. It’s so beautiful and so affordable, as you hopefully saw with the many examples of well-rated hotels for $15 in our accommodation prices feature.

But the flight deals we regularly spotted in the $600s and $700s roundtrip from all major cities in Canada to Asia before the pandemic haven’t returned (for a variety of reasons I’ll cover in a separate post soon). 

I’ll also share more plane ticket tips for Asia that don’t involve travel rewards… for those who don’t like getting free travel (for reasons I’ll never quite fully understand; seriously, please stop being scared of this wonderful world).

Travel rewards are truly the best way to travel for less. Especially when flights are expensive.

Here’s how travel rewards are an amazing deal for Southeast Asia, given the current cash prices. I want to share it right away because the Aeroplan promotion for a 40% bonus on everything you buy ends tonight.

Southeast Asia for $684 roundtrip instead of $2552 (economy class)

In my TV interview last week, I shared that deals to Europe in the $400s and $500s roundtrip are definitely back. The same is true for South America. 

But Asia is a whole other story. These days, you’ll rarely see prices under $1400 from Montreal and Toronto, and it’s often much more expensive than that, especially if you want a nice 1-stop-only itinerary.

Please don’t ever pay over $2000 for a plane ticket! 

For flights with high prices like that, that’s precisely when travel rewards of the more lucrative type can be worth so much more! Because the amount of points required for a flight is NOT tied to the cash price of the flight.

For example, you can fly to Thailand for just 95,000 Avios points roundtrip (with $398 in taxes). You can easily get those 95,000 points with 2 welcome bonuses that cost you about $285 in fees, so that’s just $684 total.

That’s the exact same Qatar Airways flight that costs $2552 in cash!

With Aeroplan, it costs 120,000 points (with $207 in taxes). It’s a bit more than Avios for this particular destination, and for other destinations, it’s a bit less. It varies like everything always does. So let’s say the 2 Aeroplan welcome bonuses cost you about $300 in fees; that’s still just $507 total.

Again, with most airline points, the amount of points required for a flight is NOT tied to the cash price of the flight. The amount of points required is fixed and limited by that airline program’s award price chart. 

So you can get outsized value. As long as you understand that you need to be more flexible. Airline points are more lucrative, so they’re less simple. There are more restrictions, obviously.

Not all airlines are available, and most importantly, not all seats are available. It’s really simple: when seats are limited, the price is limited too; when seats aren’t limited, the price isn’t limited either.

If you’re flexible, it’s amazing how much value you can get!

Southeast Asia for $650 roundtrip instead of $3695 (business class)

If you want to travel in business class, that’s an even better use of airline points! 

Because it doesn’t cost that much more points, as opposed to cash prices that are so much higher in business compared to economy. Please don’t ever pay for business class flights in cash! Get into travel rewards right away if you want to fly in luxury!

For example, for 87,500 Aeroplan points one-way (175,000 roundtrip), you can fly to Southeast Asia in business class with lie-flat pod seats.

Those tickets are worth thousands and thousands of dollars.

Business class flights from Montreal to Thailand are rarely under $4000 roundtrip, regardless of the airline.

Same thing with Avios points. It’s 95,000 points per direction in business class. 

The same route, but in business class, Aeroplan is cheaper than Avios! Every program is different! You literally only have a few to compare, so just take the time to compare, as you should always do for everything in the world of travel.

With Avios, I saved $3,695 on my 12-hour business class flight to Qatar last summer, which cost me just 70,000 points and $161. And Qatar Airways has the world’s best business class.

I use one-ways in this case because, with points, one-ways are just half the price of roundtrips. And that way, you get more flexibility to find seat availability, which is obviously more limited than in economy (it’s even more lucrative, so even less simple — it’s always like that for everything in life). 

You can also use Avios points on the outbound and Aeroplan points on the inbound if you have a variety of points currencies (as you honestly should, to diversify).

How to get 95,000 points extremely easily

THE most important thing, the single most vital learning in the entire wonderful world of travel rewards, is that welcome bonuses are the key. That’s in our infographic that summarizes all the basics of travel rewards (a must-read for all travelers).  

It’s so easy to get a ton of points AND it will improve your credit score (contrary to the myth that is so widespread and so wrong).

In addition to cards that earn Aeroplan points and Avios points directly, there are many cards with transferable bank points. American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Aeroplan and Avios at a 1-to-1 rate while RBC Avion points can be transferred to Avios at a 1-to-1 rate. Those are obviously the best points if you want to maximize value.

For Avios points, you can combine almost any 2 of these welcome bonuses and have enough points to go to Southeast Asia in economy (and with a few more, you’ll be flying there in business class).

Best credit cards for Avios points
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required.
Min. spend (bonus): $1k/month for 12 months
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $930Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $900) Earn on min. spend: 12,000 pts (≈ $180) Annual credit: can be cashed out ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$250) Also offered but not included in Valuation: NEXUS credit ($50)
Rewards: ≈ $1180
Card fee: $250
Avios points: 72,000 pts + 4 lounge passes and $100 travel credit
American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card
Card: no business required
Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 3 mos.
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $514Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $600) Earn on min. spend: 7,500 pts (≈ $113) Card fee: deducted (-$199) Also offered but not included in Valuation: quarterly spending bonus
Rewards: ≈ $713
Card fee: $199
Avios points: 47,500 pts + quicker unlocking of pts
Show more
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
Min. income (card): $60k or $100kMinimum personal income of $60,000 or minimum household income of $100,000
Min. spend (bonus): no min. spend
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE  apply now
≈ $405Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 35,000 pts (≈ $525) Card fee: deducted (-$120)
Rewards: ≈ $525
Card fee: $120
Avios points: 35,000 pts + wider acceptance than Amex
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Min. income (card): $200k or $200kMinimum personal income of $200,000 or minimum household income of $200,000
Min. spend (bonus): $5k in 6 mos.
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE ends January 15th
≈ $520Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (upon approval): 35,000 pts (≈ $525) Welcome bonus (after min. spend): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Earn on min. spend: 6,250 pts (≈ $94) Card fee: deducted (-$399) Also offered but not included in Valuation: renewal bonus of 15,000 pts (≈ $225)
Rewards: ≈ $919
Card fee: $399
Avios points: 60,000 pts + 6 passes for airport lounges
American Express Cobalt® Card
Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required.
Min. spend (bonus): $750/month for 12 months
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $744Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 15,000 pts (≈ $225) Earn on min. spend: 45,000 pts (≈ $675) Card fee: deducted (-$156)
Rewards: ≈ $900
Card fee: $156
Avios points: 60,000 pts + 5X the points best card in Canada
NEW Platinum Card® from American Express
Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required.
Min. spend (bonus): $10k in 3 mos.
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE ends January 28th
≈ $1252Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 100,000 pts (≈ $1500) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Annual travel credit (year 1): can be cashed out ($200) Dining credit (year 1): $200 credit at conservative valuation (≈ $100) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$799) Renewal bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $600) Annual travel credit (year 2): can be cashed out ($200) Dining credit (year 2): $200 credit at conservative valuation (≈ $100) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$799)
Rewards: ≈ $2051
Card fee: $799
Avios points: 150,000 pts + unlimited lounges and $200 travel credit
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards for Avios points		WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	Avios points
	American Express® Gold Rewards Card Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required. Min. spend (bonus): $1k/month for 12 months	≈ $930Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $900) Earn on min. spend: 12,000 pts (≈ $180) Annual credit: can be cashed out ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$250) Also offered but not included in Valuation: NEXUS credit ($50) Rewards: ≈ $1180 Card fee: $250	72,000 pts + 4 lounge passes and $100 travel credit	SEE MORE
	American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card Card: no business required Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 3 mos.	≈ $514Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $600) Earn on min. spend: 7,500 pts (≈ $113) Card fee: deducted (-$199) Also offered but not included in Valuation: quarterly spending bonus Rewards: ≈ $713 Card fee: $199	47,500 pts + quicker unlocking of pts	SEE MORE
	RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card Min. income (card): $60k or $100kMinimum personal income of $60,000 or minimum household income of $100,000 Min. spend (bonus): no min. spend	≈ $405Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 35,000 pts (≈ $525) Card fee: deducted (-$120) Rewards: ≈ $525 Card fee: $120	35,000 pts + wider acceptance than Amex	SEE MORE  apply now
	RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege Card Min. income (card): $200k or $200kMinimum personal income of $200,000 or minimum household income of $200,000 Min. spend (bonus): $5k in 6 mos.	≈ $520Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (upon approval): 35,000 pts (≈ $525) Welcome bonus (after min. spend): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Earn on min. spend: 6,250 pts (≈ $94) Card fee: deducted (-$399) Also offered but not included in Valuation: renewal bonus of 15,000 pts (≈ $225) Rewards: ≈ $919 Card fee: $399	60,000 pts + 6 passes for airport lounges	SEE MORE ends January 15th
	American Express Cobalt® Card Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required. Min. spend (bonus): $750/month for 12 months	≈ $744Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 15,000 pts (≈ $225) Earn on min. spend: 45,000 pts (≈ $675) Card fee: deducted (-$156) Rewards: ≈ $900 Card fee: $156	60,000 pts + 5X the points best card in Canada	SEE MORE
NEW	Platinum Card® from American Express Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required. Min. spend (bonus): $10k in 3 mos.	≈ $1252Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 100,000 pts (≈ $1500) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Annual travel credit (year 1): can be cashed out ($200) Dining credit (year 1): $200 credit at conservative valuation (≈ $100) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$799) Renewal bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $600) Annual travel credit (year 2): can be cashed out ($200) Dining credit (year 2): $200 credit at conservative valuation (≈ $100) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$799) Rewards: ≈ $2051 Card fee: $799	150,000 pts + unlimited lounges and $200 travel credit	SEE MORE ends January 28th
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

The highest amount you can get in a quick timeframe is with the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card. It does NOT require you to have an incorporated business at all (like all American Express “business” cards), but it does require following special instructions when applying!

For Aeroplan points, it’s the same thing. Combine a few of these, but beware of the special welcome bonus eligibility rules that apply to Aeroplan cards only.

Best credit cards for Aeroplan points
NEW TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Min. income (card): $60k or $100kMinimum personal income of $60,000 or minimum household income of $100,000
Min. spend (bonus): $12k in 12 mos. (incl. $7.5k in 180 days)†
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE ends January 6th
≈ $791Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Welcome bonus (after $7.5k min. spend): 15,000 pts (≈ $225) Earn on $7.5k min. spend: 7,500 pts (≈ $113) Anniversary bonus (after another $4.5k in spend): 25,000 pts (≈ $375) Earn on another $4.5k in spend: 4,500 pts (≈ $67) Card fee (year 1): rebated the 1st year (-$0) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$139)
Rewards: ≈ $791
Annual fee: $0 $139
Aeroplan points: 50k pts with bonus (62,000 pts total) 50k + 12k on min. spend
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required.
Min. spend (bonus): $3k in 3 mos. + $1k
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $420Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on $3k min. spend: 3,000 pts (≈ $45) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$120) Renewal bonus: 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Earn on $1k min. spend: 1,000 pts (≈ $15) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$120)
Rewards: ≈ $540
Card fee: $120
Aeroplan points: 44,000 pts + a free bag on Air Canada
Show more
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required.
Min. spend (bonus): $1k/month for 12 months
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $930Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $900) Earn on min. spend: 12,000 pts (≈ $180) Annual credit: can be cashed out ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$250) Also offered but not included in Valuation: NEXUS credit ($50)
Rewards: ≈ $1180
Card fee: $250
Aeroplan points: 72,000 pts + 4 lounges and $100 travel credit
NEW Platinum Card® from American Express
Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required.
Min. spend (bonus): $10k in 3 mos.
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE ends January 28th
≈ $1252Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 100,000 pts (≈ $1500) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Annual travel credit (year 1): can be cashed out ($200) Dining credit (year 1): $200 credit at conservative valuation (≈ $100) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$799) Renewal bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $600) Annual travel credit (year 2): can be cashed out ($200) Dining credit (year 2): $200 credit at conservative valuation (≈ $100) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$799)
Rewards: ≈ $2051
Card fee: $799
Aeroplan points: 150,000 pts + unlimited PP lounges and $200 travel credit
American Express Cobalt® Card
Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required.
Min. spend (bonus): $750/month for 12 months
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $744Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 15,000 pts (≈ $225) Earn on min. spend: 45,000 pts (≈ $675) Card fee: deducted (-$156)
Rewards: ≈ $900
Card fee: $156
Aeroplan points: 60,000 pts + 5X the points best card in Canada
American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card
Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required.
Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 3 mos.
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $442Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $900) Earn on min. spend: 9,375 pts (≈ $141) Card fee: deducted (-$599) Also offered but not included in Valuation: renewal bonus of 25,000 pts (≈ $375) with extra $2500 spend
Rewards: ≈ $1041
Card fee: $599
Aeroplan points: 69,375 pts + unlimited AC lounges & other AC benefits
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Card
Min. income (card): $150k or $200kMinimum personal income of $150,000 or minimum household income of $200,000
Min. spend (bonus): $24k in 12 mos. (or $12k for lower bonus)
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE ends January 6th
≈ $452Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Welcome bonus (after $12k min. spend): 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on 12k min. spend: 15,000 pts (≈ $225) Anniversary bonus (after another $12k in spend): 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on another 12k in spend: 15,000 pts (≈ $225) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$599) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$599)
Rewards: ≈ $1051
Annual fee: $599
Aeroplan points: 80k pts with bonus (110,000 pts total) 80k + 30k on min. spend
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Platinum Card
Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required.
Min. spend (bonus): $1k in 3 months
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE ends January 6th
≈ $315Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Welcome bonus (after min. spend): 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts (≈ $15) Card fee: rebated the 1st year (-$0)
Rewards: ≈ $315
Annual fee: $0 $89
Aeroplan points: 20k pts with bonus (21,000 pts total) 20k + 1k on min. spend
American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card
Card: no business required
Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 3 mos.
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $514Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $600) Earn on min. spend: 7,500 pts (≈ $113) Card fee: deducted (-$199) Also offered but not included in Valuation: quarterly spending bonus
Rewards: ≈ $713
Card fee: $199
Aeroplan points: 47,500 pts + simpler min. spend structure
American Express® Green Card
Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required.
Min. spend (bonus): $1k in 3 mos.
WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	SEE MORE
≈ $165Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts (≈ $15) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0)
Rewards: ≈ $165
Card fee: $0
Aeroplan points: 11,000 pts + no fees but way less value
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Best credit cards for Aeroplan points		WELCOME BONUS ( VALUATION)	Aeroplan points
NEW	TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card Min. income (card): $60k or $100kMinimum personal income of $60,000 or minimum household income of $100,000 Min. spend (bonus): $12k in 12 mos. (incl. $7.5k in 180 days)†	≈ $791Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Welcome bonus (after $7.5k min. spend): 15,000 pts (≈ $225) Earn on $7.5k min. spend: 7,500 pts (≈ $113) Anniversary bonus (after another $4.5k in spend): 25,000 pts (≈ $375) Earn on another $4.5k in spend: 4,500 pts (≈ $67) Card fee (year 1): rebated the 1st year (-$0) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$139) Rewards: ≈ $791 Annual fee: $0 $139	50k pts with bonus (62,000 pts total) 50k + 12k on min. spend	SEE MORE ends January 6th
	American Express® Aeroplan®* Card Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required. Min. spend (bonus): $3k in 3 mos. + $1k	≈ $420Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on $3k min. spend: 3,000 pts (≈ $45) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$120) Renewal bonus: 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Earn on $1k min. spend: 1,000 pts (≈ $15) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$120) Rewards: ≈ $540 Card fee: $120	44,000 pts + a free bag on Air Canada	SEE MORE
	American Express® Gold Rewards Card Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required. Min. spend (bonus): $1k/month for 12 months	≈ $930Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $900) Earn on min. spend: 12,000 pts (≈ $180) Annual credit: can be cashed out ($100) Card fee: deducted (-$250) Also offered but not included in Valuation: NEXUS credit ($50) Rewards: ≈ $1180 Card fee: $250	72,000 pts + 4 lounges and $100 travel credit	SEE MORE
NEW	Platinum Card® from American Express Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required. Min. spend (bonus): $10k in 3 mos.	≈ $1252Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 100,000 pts (≈ $1500) Earn on min. spend: 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Annual travel credit (year 1): can be cashed out ($200) Dining credit (year 1): $200 credit at conservative valuation (≈ $100) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$799) Renewal bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $600) Annual travel credit (year 2): can be cashed out ($200) Dining credit (year 2): $200 credit at conservative valuation (≈ $100) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$799) Rewards: ≈ $2051 Card fee: $799	150,000 pts + unlimited PP lounges and $200 travel credit	SEE MORE ends January 28th
	American Express Cobalt® Card Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required. Min. spend (bonus): $750/month for 12 months	≈ $744Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 15,000 pts (≈ $225) Earn on min. spend: 45,000 pts (≈ $675) Card fee: deducted (-$156) Rewards: ≈ $900 Card fee: $156	60,000 pts + 5X the points best card in Canada	SEE MORE
	American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required. Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 3 mos.	≈ $442Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 60,000 pts (≈ $900) Earn on min. spend: 9,375 pts (≈ $141) Card fee: deducted (-$599) Also offered but not included in Valuation: renewal bonus of 25,000 pts (≈ $375) with extra $2500 spend Rewards: ≈ $1041 Card fee: $599	69,375 pts + unlimited AC lounges & other AC benefits	SEE MORE
	TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Infinite Privilege* Card Min. income (card): $150k or $200kMinimum personal income of $150,000 or minimum household income of $200,000 Min. spend (bonus): $24k in 12 mos. (or $12k for lower bonus)	≈ $452Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 20,000 pts (≈ $300) Welcome bonus (after $12k min. spend): 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on 12k min. spend: 15,000 pts (≈ $225) Anniversary bonus (after another $12k in spend): 30,000 pts (≈ $450) Earn on another 12k in spend: 15,000 pts (≈ $225) Card fee (year 1): deducted (-$599) Card fee (year 2): deducted (-$599) Rewards: ≈ $1051 Annual fee: $599	80k pts with bonus (110,000 pts total) 80k + 30k on min. spend	SEE MORE ends January 6th
	TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Platinum Card Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required. Min. spend (bonus): $1k in 3 months	≈ $315Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus (after 1st purchase): 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Welcome bonus (after min. spend): 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts (≈ $15) Card fee: rebated the 1st year (-$0) Rewards: ≈ $315 Annual fee: $0 $89	20k pts with bonus (21,000 pts total) 20k + 1k on min. spend	SEE MORE ends January 6th
	American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card Card: no business required Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 3 mos.	≈ $514Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 40,000 pts (≈ $600) Earn on min. spend: 7,500 pts (≈ $113) Card fee: deducted (-$199) Also offered but not included in Valuation: quarterly spending bonus Rewards: ≈ $713 Card fee: $199	47,500 pts + simpler min. spend structure	SEE MORE
	American Express® Green Card Min. income (card): $0No minimum income required. Min. spend (bonus): $1k in 3 mos.	≈ $165Flytrippers Valuation Welcome bonus: 10,000 pts (≈ $150) Earn on min. spend: 1,000 pts (≈ $15) Card fee: no annual fee (-$0) Rewards: ≈ $165 Card fee: $0	11,000 pts + no fees but way less value	SEE MORE
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

Except “business” cards and premium cards, the American Express Aeroplan Card gives you the most points the fastest. If you’ve already had an Aeroplan credit card (those with “Aeroplan” in the name; cards that earn Amex points transferable to Aeroplan are fine), you need to pay attention to the special welcome bonus eligibility rules (unique to Aeroplan).

Basics of using travel rewards

If you’ve read our infographic that summarizes all the basics of travel rewards, you know there are 2 types of reward redemption options that exist.

They’re completely different:

• Redemptions of the more simple type
• Redemptions of the more lucrative type

Most people sadly only know about the more simple type. You get 82,500 points with the brand-new increased free welcome bonus on the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card; the amount of points required for a flight is always tied to the cash price of the flight because the points have a fixed value of 1¢/pt. Therefore, your 82,500 points will always only give you $825 in free flights. Nevermore!

Most people love getting good deals like us but sadly don’t want to learn about the more lucrative type that is so much more amazing. You get 60,000 points with the welcome bonus on the American Express Cobalt Card; the amount of points required for a flight is NOT tied to the cash price of the flight because the points don’t have a fixed value. Therefore, your 60,000 points can be worth $1,000 or even $2,000 for flights! There’s no limit!

We’ll soon have a lot more content on this, but you can already read more in our introduction to the types of rewards redemptions.

Learn more

Travel rewards redemption options: How the 7 main sub-types work

Learning how to travel for less

Join over 100,000 savvy Canadian travelers who already receive Flytrippers’ free newsletter so we can help you travel for less — including thanks to the wonderful world of travel rewards!

Summary

Southeast Asia is a magnificent destination, ideal for budget travelers, with well-rated hotels at just $15! However, flight deals between Canada and Asia haven’t returned to the prices before the pandemic. Travel rewards of the more lucrative type remain the best way to travel at a lower cost for flights with high cash prices.

What would you like to know about about points to get to Southeast Asia? Tell us in the comments below.

See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights

Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards

Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration

Learn pro tricks: Travel tips

Featured image: Khao Sok National Park, Khlong Sok, Thailand (photo credit: Robin Noguier)

Share this post to help us help more people travel more for less: