Aussies are hacking their way to epic travel savings like savvy jetsetters, with fresh Money.com.au research revealing that redeeming frequent flyer points last year slashed an average of $1,140 off flights and stays. In a world where airfares sting and hotel bills hit hard, points aren’t just pocket change; they’re your secret weapon for globe-trotting on a budget.
Points: Your ticket to big savings (and bigger adventures)
Picture this: one in three clever Aussies who cashed in their points pocketed over $1,000 in savings, and a cheeky 14% scored more than $2,000 back in their pockets. Even the everyday redeemers (that’s 67% of them) still shaved under $1,000 off their trips. As Money.com.au’s Finance Expert Sean Callery puts it with a grin, “Saving four figures? That’s basically a free adult ticket to Bali or the Goldie—cha-ching!”
But here’s the pro tip from Sean: weigh those shiny points against your credit card’s annual fee (around $300 on average). Lounge passes, travel insurance, and upgrades sweeten the deal, but the real jackpot? Snagging flights or cabin bumps where points stretch further than cash ever could. It’s like upgrading from economy squeeze to premium pamper without the price tag shock.
Millennials and Gen X: The points powerhouses
Young guns are owning this game. Millennials raked in $1,220 average savings, hot on their heels Gen X with $1,200. Gen Z clocked $1,075, while Baby Boomers (with their monster points hoards) brought up the rear at $980. Why the gap? Younger folks are timing redemptions like pros—peak seasons, dream routes, maximum bang for their points buck. Boomers, maybe you’re hoarding for that dream around-the-world jaunt? Smart play!
Flights rule, but hotels are sneaking up
No shocker here: 50% blew points on airfares, 31% mixed flights and hotels, and a savvy 19% went all-in on accommodation (hello, free beachside bliss as hotel prices soar). But get this, 40% of Aussies sat on their stash last year, either earning zilch or playing the long game.
Hoarding for the big wins
A solid 25% are stacking points like pros for the motherlode: long-haul epics, peak-season escapes, or that business-class glow-up. Experts nod in approval, points shine brightest on pricey international hauls or upgrades where cash fares make you wince.
Your move: Turn points into passports
Whether you’re plotting a Sydney-Melbourne hop, a Bali blowout, or a Euro summer sprint, frequent flyer points are your backstage pass to cheaper (and chicer) travel. Dive into the full Money.com.au research for more hacks and start redeeming like the travel boss you were born to be. Who’s ready to fly high without the hefty bill?
Why This Matters for Travellers
For Australians planning domestic escapes, long-haul adventures, or even a simple weekend away, frequent flyer points remain one of the most powerful tools for reducing travel costs. With the right strategy, points can shave hundreds or even thousands off the price of a trip.
More insights and comprehensive research are available at Money.com.au.
