This article includes affiliate links. You won’t incur any additional costs by using these links, but they do support this blog and give you access to a 30,000-point Amex signup bonus.
One of my biggest motivations for starting an online business was to have the freedom to travel the world while working remotely. My recent trip was taken to new heights when I experienced Emirates business class for the very first time!
Honestly, even Emirates economy class feels luxurious, so you can imagine just how incredible the service is when you’re seated in business class.
Now, here’s the best part — I didn’t have to spend thousands of pounds to enjoy this upgrade. My partner and I both flew business class for free, all thanks to my Amex Preferred Rewards Gold card. Today, I’ll explain how you can do the same.
If you’ve been wondering how to score affordable business class flights, this week’s post is for you!
Which Credit Card Gives Air Miles?
There are plenty of UK credit cards that offer air miles, allowing you to upgrade to business class for free. The Amex Gold stands out as the best option I’ve come across for UK residents.
Using your Amex points is a fantastic way to unlock travel perks. In fact, redeeming credit card points for flights and upgrades often delivers the best value for your rewards.
How Do Credit Card Airline Miles Work?
I redeemed the points I’d earned from my Amex Gold card to upgrade our flights to business class.
If you’re wondering, “how do flight miles actually work on credit cards?”
It’s straightforward.
The Amex Gold is my go-to travel credit card. You earn points for every £1 you spend. Plus, when you sign up with my referral code and spend £3000, you’ll receive a 30,000-point bonus.
Simply log into your rewards account to convert your Amex points into air miles with various airlines.
My favourite hack is to book an economy flight, then use those miles to upgrade to business class for free. It’s hands-down the best way to enjoy luxury travel for less!
How to Get Cheap Business Class Tickets
I used to see plenty of people in the US flying business class for next to nothing, but it was much harder to find similar deals in the UK that earned enough air miles for cheap or free business class upgrades.
Now, with the Amex Gold card, it’s far easier to unlock those coveted business class seats with minimal spending.
For instance, upgrading your flight from Dubai to the UK on Emirates requires just 40,000 flyer miles.
If you sign up for the Amex Gold card through my exclusive link, you’ll receive 30,000 bonus points after spending £3000 within the first three months. From there, just a few more everyday purchases will easily push you past the threshold — it adds up faster than you’d think!
Earning LOTS of Flyer Miles as a Digital Nomad
I put almost all my daily spending on my Amex Gold card — from grocery shopping and coffee runs to commuting costs, gym memberships, and everything in between. I always pay off the balance in full. Treating your credit card like a debit card makes hitting that £3000 target surprisingly easy, and all those small everyday purchases help rack up extra air miles quickly.
As an online business owner, here are some additional ways I earn points for flights:
Firstly, I use my Amex for all business expenses. Running an online coaching business comes with recurring monthly costs for software, paying my team, and various ad hoc expenses.
I’ve also invested in high-ticket mentorships and coaching, which have earned me a significant number of points.
Travel expenses go on the card too, as Amex offers double points on flights and foreign currency transactions. Bookings like Airbnbs and flights quickly add up when you’re living the digital nomad lifestyle. Plus, using a credit card instead of a debit card for travel provides extra protection.
The Amex Gold Rewards Card offers even more perks: 2,500 bonus points for every £5,000 spent (up to 12,500 points annually) and plenty of travel-friendly benefits such as hotel upgrades, spa access at select hotels, and complimentary Priority Pass lounge access.
Free Priority Pass Airport Lounge Access with Amex Gold
Enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne or getting some work done in an airport lounge is such a treat, especially before a long-haul flight with my partner.
Some lounges even offer showers, which are perfect for freshening up after spending seven hours crammed into an aircraft cabin.
With the Amex Gold card, you receive four complimentary Priority Pass lounge entries. This means you can kick back in comfort even when you’re flying economy — ideal for short-haul trips or when business class isn’t available.
That perk alone almost justifies the annual fee for the card.
How Much is the Amex Gold Card?
The Amex Preferred Rewards Gold card does come with a £160 annual fee.
That said, your first year is completely free, allowing you to enjoy all these fantastic perks without spending a penny for the first 12 months — there’s absolutely nothing to lose.
Sign up here to unlock those 30,000 bonus points.
So, will you be grabbing this card and flying business class on your next long-haul trip?
