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My should to be newborn wants to meet the grannies in Asia…
Hi Ben,
I discovered this amazing points and miles world only a little over 5 months ago! Since then, I’ve been reading your blog and other travel blogs on a daily basis!! My wife & I had booked a flight 6 months ago to visit her parents in Malaysia this May, but we had to cancel the trip as we found out not long ago she’s pregnant & we are expecting our first child. So now we are planning to bring our soon to be daughter to meet her grandparents sometime in 2019 & would really need your help! I know it’s still two years way, but we also know time will fly by so quickly especially with our first child and since we are so new to this world of points & miles. We would like to know which airlines (and how) are our best options in booking two business class seats (or even 1st class if at all possible) from Newark or JFK to Malaysia (either round trip or one way–if one way, we prefer on our return from Malaysia to Newark/JFK). Currently we have 320,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points and 80,000 SPG points (We understand it’s not much in the world of points & miles, so we are reaching out to you for help in planning this special trip for us as a family so our daughter can see her grandparents for the first time). Your help is much appreciated!!
Sincerely,
Ethan
Korean Air is a decent option for Chase and their awards are reasonably priced. I’m just not sure what their infant/child policy is so you’d want to look into that. However, being two years away means that there could be changes in different areas that could affect your plans.
I think for now it’s best to come up with a good credit card strategy so you maximize your earnings. I’d apply for the Reserve if you haven’t already and/or other Chase card cards that can boost your balance. There is a higher than normal bibs on the SPG cards if you don’t have those. Might also want to consider Amex cards that earn MR points.
And plan your trip time carefully. If you go before the child is 2 years old she can travel as a lap child but after that she’ll need her own ticket. You can also check out posts by Travis here on OMAAT and fellow Boarding Area blogger Mommy Points for tips on family travel and using miles.
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