Hey {{first name | reader}},

Happy Monday!

Today we are flying in Asia.

Dan's newest video is a tier list ranking Asia-Pacific airlines, and my main takeaway was simple: there are so many airlines in this region I still have not tried, and I really want to.

But this is not just aviation nerd content.

The reason I wrote about this is that for points travelers, Asia is full of airlines that can show up in award searches, but many people do not know what to expect from them. EVA Air, Starlux, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, China Eastern, Vietnam Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and many others can all appear when you search for award space. If you know the airline, the aircraft, and the right program, you can turn what looks like a normal regional flight into a really fun redemption.

So instead of just talking about Dan's ranking, I wanted to show five ways you can actually try some of these airlines with points right now.

Here's what's inside today's post:

Dan's newest video made me want to book a ticket to Asia immediately.

What I like about videos like this is that they help set expectations before you book. That is incredibly useful when using points. Maybe an airline has great service but weaker food. Maybe the seat is much better than people think. Maybe the aircraft type completely changes the experience. Maybe the airport connection is painful enough to affect the whole trip.

Knowing the product before you book can make a big difference.

And if you watched the video, you know Dan ranked the Taiwanese airlines very highly. EVA Air, Starlux, and China Airlines are all airlines I would love to fly more. The good news is there are some very interesting ways to try them with points.

Let's start with a proper long-haul option.

I am seeing EVA Air business class from Taipei to Los Angeles for 85,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points plus CA$119 in taxes. The flight is around 11 hours 40 minutes on EVA flight BR6.

If you buy Aeroplan points at around $12.70 per 1,000 during a sale:

85,000 points = $1,079.50

Taxes = ~$90

Total = around $1,170

This is exactly the type of redemption where Aeroplan can shine. EVA Air is one of the best Star Alliance airlines, and this is a real transpacific long-haul business class flight. If you want to try one of the top-ranked airlines from Dan's video and want the full experience, this is the serious version.

This one is a little crazy.

Starlux business class from Taipei to Hanoi for 15,000 Alaska Atmos Rewards points plus $35.50 in taxes. The flight is around 3 hours 20 minutes on the Airbus A330-900neo.

If you buy Alaska points at around $19 per 1,000 during a sale:

15,000 points = $285 Taxes = $35.50 Total = around $320

Is it a short flight? Yes. But for a fun intra-Asia redemption on one of the most exciting airlines in the region right now, 15,000 points is a very fun way to try Starlux business class. I love this type of redemption.

Another Taiwanese option worth knowing about.

China Airlines business class from Taipei to Kuala Lumpur for 21,000 Flying Blue miles plus $43 in taxes. The flight is around 4 hours 40 minutes on a Boeing 777-300ER.

If you buy Flying Blue miles at around $16.90 per 1,000 during a sale:

21,000 miles = $354.90 Taxes = $43 Total = around $398

A proper widebody aircraft, a well-regarded airline, and a very reasonable total cost. A nice way to try China Airlines if you have Flying Blue miles sitting around.

Keep in mind that Flying Blue can show some phantom availability on China Airlines, so it is best if you do your search on Delta before trying on Flying Blue.

Another short-haul option that I think is very fun.

Japan Airlines business class from Shanghai to Osaka for 15,000 Alaska points plus $33 in taxes. The flight is around 2 hours 15 minutes on a Boeing 787-8.

Using the same Alaska benchmark:

15,000 points = $285 Taxes = $33 Total = around $318

For a lie-flat seat on Japan Airlines, even on a short flight, that is a very fun use of points. Japan Airlines has one of the best reputations in the world for service and product, and this is a low-cost way to experience it.

And finally, the interesting and slightly unconventional one.

China Eastern first class from Shanghai to Tokyo Haneda for 31,500 Flying Blue miles plus $68 in taxes. The flight is around 3 hours, and if operated by the 777-300ER with the proper first class cabin, this becomes a very fun redemption.

Using the Flying Blue benchmark:

31,500 miles = $532.35 Taxes = $67.80 Total = around $600

Is $600 cheap for a three-hour flight? Not exactly. But for a proper international first class suite on a route where cash fares can be expensive, and as a way to try a cabin you would probably not pay for in cash, I think it is worth considering.

This is why Asia is so much fun with points.

You do not always need a 14-hour flight to have an interesting redemption. Sometimes a short or medium-haul route is the perfect way to try an airline you have been curious about, at a price that makes sense.

Dan's video gives you the ranking. These examples show you the practical side.

Know the airline. Check the aircraft. Compare the programs. Verify the availability. Then book the fun stuff before it disappears.

That's it for today. More deals, news, and trip ideas coming your way on Wednesday.

Catch you in the clouds,

Tomi from Points Master

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