Vacations are expensive. Flights, hotels, meals, random splurges—you blink, and your bank account is gasping for air. But what if you could make your next international trip sponsor itself?

Enter travel credit cards.

These little plastic (or metal) wonders can rack up points, unlock free flights, score luxury hotel stays, and even get you VIP perks at airports—if you know how to play the game right. The trick? Maximising rewards, using bonuses smartly, and knowing which card works best for your travel goals.

In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly how to sponsor your next international getaway using points—across the following credit cards:

• HDFC cards: Infinia, Diners Club Black, and Regalia Gold

• Axis cards (Edge Miles): Atlas, Magnus Burgundy

• American Express cards (Membership Reward points): All Amex cards

Note that for HDFC and Axis, point value and transfer ratios vary depending on the type of card whereas for Amex, Membership Reward points maintain consistent value, irrespective of the card you used to earn them, as long as the card is Indian. US-issued Amex cards provide Membership reward points with transfer ratios different from that of India-issued Amex cards. However, for the purposes of our blog, we're only considering Indian Amex cards.

The fare prices, taxes/fees, and transfer ratios mentioned in this blog are accurate as of February 2025 but are subject to change depending on time of the year, or at the discretion of the airlines and card programs. Always double check up-to-date values on the corresponding websites before making a purchase.

All said and done, let’s get you jet-setting without burning a hole in your wallet.

Flying Business Class from India to Europe

I. Booking Business Class to Paris

When flying business class to Paris (CDG) from India using points, some redemptions stretch your miles further, while others come with hefty cash top-ups. Here’s how they compare, including return flights.

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1. Etihad (250K Guest Miles + ₹1,01,000)

(Worth ₹2,30,000 if paid in cash)

I. Outbound: Mumbai (04:10 am) → Abu Dhabi (06:05 am), duration 3h 25m, flight number EY201; Abu Dhabi (14:20 pm) → Paris (19:10 pm), duration 6h 50m, flight number EY33
Cost: 100K Guest Miles + ₹56,000
A long layover in Abu Dhabi (8h 15m) may not be ideal, but Etihad’s business class lounge can make your wait a breeze.

II. Return: Paris (10:30 am) → Abu Dhabi (19:25 pm), duration 6h 55m, flight number EY34; Abu Dhabi (22:15 pm) → Mumbai (03:15 am +1 day), duration 3h 30m, flight number EY202
Cost: 150K Guest Miles + ₹45,000
A total of 250K points + ₹1,01,000, making this one of the most expensive redemptions in cash.

As a tourism initiative, Etihad now offers 2 nights of free hotel accommodation if you choose to take a layover of 2 days in Abu Dhabi. This offer is limited and is usually applied to business and first class tickets.

Note that although Middle Eastern Carriers (Emirates, Etihad & Qatar) offer some of the best business-class hard products, their high taxes and fees often offset the reward fare, making them a less attractive option when booking with points. If you don’t mind the high cash component or taking a stop in the Middle East, these are some of the best carriers to choose from.

2. Emirates (282K Skywards Miles + ₹93,800)

(Worth ₹2,50,000 if paid in cash)

A luxurious ride with an easy Dubai connection.

I. Outbound: Delhi (21:50 pm) → Dubai (23:55 pm), duration 3h 35m, flight number EK515; Dubai (03:20 am) → Paris (08:00 am), duration 7h 40m, flight number EK71
Cost: 141K Skywards Miles + ₹36,500
A well-timed layover in Dubai, plus Emirates' solid business-class product.

II. Return: Paris (11:25 am) → Dubai (20:00 pm), duration 6h 35m, flight number EK72; Dubai (04:20 am) → Delhi (08:55 am), duration 3h 5m, flight number EK510
Cost: 141K Skywards Miles + ₹57,300

Emirates and Etihad offer some of the best business-class experiences—like spacious lie-flat seats, top-tier service, excellent dining options, and premium lounges. But while their seats can be booked with points, the cash fees (taxes, surcharges) are steep, often crossing ₹50,000 each way for business class. This means you might score a luxury seat with miles, but you'll still be paying a hefty amount in cash.

3. Air France (205.5K Flying Blue points + ₹27,000)

(Worth ₹2,60,000 if paid in cash)

A premium experience with top-notch service.

I. Outbound: Delhi (06:15 am) → Paris (11:40 am), duration 9h 25m, flight number AF215
Cost: 120.5K Flying Blue points + ₹7,800
An easy choice for SkyTeam loyalists.

II. Return: Paris (10:35 am) → Delhi (11:45 pm), duration 8h 40m, flight number AF226
Cost: 85K Flying Blue points + ₹19,200
A pricier redemption overall, but if comfort is key, this one delivers. Total cost: 205.5K points + ₹27,000.

4. Air India (120K Aeroplan points + ₹18,400)

(Worth ₹1,70,000 if paid in cash)

A straightforward option if you're looking for nonstop rides with minimal cash outlay (even if it may not be as premium as other options).

I. Outbound: Delhi (04:55 am) → Paris (09:45 am), duration 8h 20m, flight number AI147
Cost: 60K Aeroplan points + ₹5,300
No frills, no layovers, and one of the lowest point requirements—though the onboard experience may not be as polished as some of the other choices.

II. Return: Paris (19:35) → Delhi (08:10 +1 day), duration 8h 5m, flight number AI142
Cost: 60K Aeroplan points + ₹13,100
While the outbound flight is light on cash fees, the return leg has a higher tax component, bringing the total redemption to 120K Aeroplan points + ₹18,400.

Note that airlines allow you to book flights using points from their partner loyalty programs. For example, Air India allows you to book its flights using points from Air Canada’s Aeroplan program. Make it a note to compare point fares on both Air India’s website as well as the partner website when purchasing with points to choose the better fare.

Which One’s the Move?

• Want to spend the least? Air India (120K points + ₹18,400)—cheap, but not exactly the best experience.

• Best comfort-to-cost ratio? Air France (205.5K points + ₹27,000)—solid service, reasonable points.

• Luxury experience? Emirates (282K points + ₹93,800) / Etihad (250K points + ₹1,01,000)—however, it’s the most expensive in cash.

How to Use Credit Card Points For These Flights

Here's a quick summary of each of these flights, the number of points they require, the number of points you need with different credit cards to make the transfer, as well as the transfer process and conversion ratios.

*Note that even though you cannot directly transfer from HDFC to Emirates, you can indirectly transfer by first transferring to Accor at 2:1 and then to Emirates again at 2:1. However, this is an effective ratio of 4:1 that will require 1 million+ HDFC points which is poor value, hence omitted from the table.

How to Work Around Amex’s Limited Partnerships
As of February 2025, Amex India has just 7 partner airlines and 2 partner hotels.
However, even though Membership Rewards points from Indian Amex cards cannot directly be transferred to Aeroplan points, you can transfer them to Marriott Bonvoy at 1:1, and then from Marriott Bonvoy to Aeroplan at 3:1, with 5000 bonus Aeroplan points for every 60,000 Marriott points you transfer to Aeroplan.

HDFC Regalia Gold vs Axis Atlas

HDFC Regalia Gold and Axis Atlas are premium cards in the same tier with similar eligibility requirements, however, with one key difference. The Axis Atlas card specialises in travel benefits whereas the Regalia Gold is a more lifestyle benefits-oriented card with some travel benefits.

While both cards earn you points, HDFC Regalia Gold is a relatively weaker card that usually offers a poor reward-point-to-partner-program transfer ratio of 1:0.33. This means for every 100 Regalia Gold points you transfer to a partner program, you receive only 33 partner points. While there are a few exceptions such as KLM/Air France Flying Blue partner program that offer 1:0.5, it's still poor value (considering the difficulty of earning points with the card as it offers no milestone benefits/joining bonus in the form of reward points).

Axis Atlas on the other hand has one of the most powerful transfer ratios at 2:1, meaning each point on the card transfers to 2 points on the partner program. On top of its base rewards and accelerated rewards on travel spends, it also offers 5000 joining bonus points and further offers milestone benefits for annual spends of 4 lakhs, 7.5 lakhs, and 15 lakhs on the card.

How to Indirectly Get Emirates Skywards Points via Axis Atlas/Magnus Burgundy

Even though you can't transfer Axis Atlas points directly to Emirates Skywards, you can first transfer them to ALL-Accor at 1:2 and then to Skywards at 2:1, effectively giving you a 1:1 transfer ratio to Emirates.

While this transfer is also possible via Marriott instead of Accor, Axis Atlas offers a 2:1 ratio for Marriott instead of its usual 1:2, meaning you’ll need 2 Atlas points for 1 Marriott point. While you can further transfer those Marriott points to Skywards at 3:1, this further reduces your Atlas point value by 5:1, so we recommend sticking to Accor instead.

This applies to Magnus Burgundy as well, but might be less attractive due to a ratio of 5:2 when transferring to Skywards via Accor.

II. Booking Business & First Class to Amsterdam

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1. Turkish Airlines (75K points in Turkish Miles and Smiles) + Lufthansa (60K Aeroplan points + ₹10,500)

A one-stop route via Istanbul/Munich with a mix of lie-flat and angle-flat seats.

I. Outbound:
Delhi (06:20 am) → Istanbul (10:30 am), 6h 10m, flight number TK717
Layover: 1h 15m
Istanbul (11:45 am) → Amsterdam (13:30 pm), 3h 45m, flight number TK1957
Cost: 75K Miles + ₹0

II. Return:

Amsterdam (07:05 am) → Munich (08:25 am), duration: 1h 20m, flight number LH2311
Layover: 3h 45m in Munich
Munich (12:10 pm) → Delhi (00:05 am +1 day), duration: 7h 55m, flight number LH762
Total duration (incl. layover): 13h 00m
Cost: 60K Aeroplan points + ₹10,500

2. KLM (189K Flying blue points + ₹37,200)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (03:55 am) → Amsterdam (09:35 am), total duration: 9h 10m, flight number KL872
Cost: 118K Flying Blue points + ₹7,900

II. Return:
Amsterdam (14:20 pm) → Delhi (01:55 am +1 day), total duration: 8h 5m, flight number KL871
Cost: 71K Flying Blue Points + ₹29,300

3. Emirates First Class (215.4K Virgin Atlantic points + ₹1,21,300)

I. Outbound:
Mumbai (22:00 pm) → Dubai (23:55 pm), duration: 3h 55m, flight number EK509
Layover: 3h 20m in Dubai
Dubai (03:15 am) → Amsterdam (07:50 am), duration: 6h 35m, flight number EK145
Total duration (incl. layover): 14h 20m
Cost: 107.7K Virgin Atlantic points + ₹64,200

II. Return:
Amsterdam (10:35 am) → Dubai (20:20 pm), duration: 6h 45m, flight number EK146
Layover: 1h 20m in Dubai
Dubai (21:40 pm) → Mumbai (02:15 am +1 day), duration: 3h 35m, flight number EK500
Total duration (incl. layover): 11h 10m
Cost: 107.7K Virgin Atlantic points + ₹57,100

Airlines limit how many first-class seats can be booked with points. Even if a flight has six first-class seats, they might only allow one or two to be redeemed with miles, keeping the rest for paying customers. So make sure you do your point transfers and book your flights months in advance to get the best available deals.

Note that Emirates charges a hefty cash component on its flights in the form of taxes and fees. The higher the booking class, the higher the cash component.

4. Air France (189K Flying Blue points + ₹40,800)

I. Outbound:

Delhi (06:15 am) → Paris (11:40 am), duration: 9h 25m, flight number AF215
Layover: 1h 0m in Paris
Paris (12:40 pm) → Amsterdam (14:00 pm), duration: 1h 20m, flight number AF1740
Total duration (incl. layover): 12h 15m
Cost: 118K Flying Blue Points + ₹9,100

II. Return:

Amsterdam (12:35 pm) → Paris (14:00 pm), duration: 1h 25m, flight number AF1501
Layover: 1h 40m in Paris
Paris (15:40 pm) → Delhi (04:50 am +1 day), duration: 8h 10m, flight number AF214
Total duration (incl. layover): 11h 45m
Cost: 71K Flying Blue points + ₹31,700

How Different Travel Cards Fare For These Flights

Note that while you cannot directly transfer Amex Membership Reward points to Turkish Airlines' Miles & Smiles partner program or Air Canada's Aeroplan, you can indirectly facilitate the transfer by first transferring to Marriott Bonvoy at 1:1 and then to partner programs at 3:1, essentially giving you a transfer ratio of 3:1 (in addition to 5,000 bonus partner program miles for every 60,000 Marriott points you transfer. You can check accurate details on the official Marriott website.

*Similarly, while you can still get Virgin Atlantic Flyer Club points from Axis Atlas (even though they are not a direct transfer partner) by transferring them to Marriott first at 2:1 and then to Virgin Atlantic at 3:1, this reduces the value of your Atlas points to 5:1, which is extremely poor value.

III. Booking Business Class from Delhi to London

Flying business class to London (LHR) from India using points? Some routes stretch your miles, while others come with steep surcharges. Here’s how they compare.

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1. Qatar Airways (220K American Airlines points + ₹80,700)

A premium one-stop option with Qatar Airways' top-rated business class.

I. Outbound:
Delhi (03:25 am) → Doha (04:55 am), 4h 30m, flight number QR579
Layover: 3h 55m
Doha (08:50 am) → London (14:05 pm), 6h 15m, flight number QR109
Total: 14h 40m (incl. layover)
Cost: 110K American Airlines points

II. Return:
London (18:55 pm) → Doha (04:35 am +1 day), 6h 40m, flight number QR12
Layover: 4h 20m
Doha (08:55 am) → Delhi (15:00 pm), 3h 35m, flight number QR4790
Total: 14h 35m (incl. layover)
Cost: 110K American Airlines points + ₹80,700

How to Double The Value of Your HDFC Infinia points When Transferring to Qatar Airways
Although you can book Qatar Airways directly with HDFC Infinia points, it offers a conversion ratio of 2:1, halving the value of your points. To bypass this, first transfer them to Finnair at 1:1 and then from Finnair to Qatar Airways, which is again, a 1:1 transfer, essentially getting an HDFC to Qatar Avios ratio of 1:1.

2. British Airways (180K Qantas Frequent Flyer points + ₹55,000)

I. Outbound:

Delhi (10:05 am) → London (15:25 pm), 9h 50m, flight number BA256
Cost: 90K Qantas Frequent Flyer points + ₹25,000 taxes & fees

II. Return:

London (18:50 pm) → Delhi (08:00 am +1 day), 8h 40m, flight number BA257
Cost: 90K Qantas Frequent Flyer points + ₹30,000 taxes & fees

How to Double The Value of Your HDFC Infinia points When Transferring to British Airways
Similar to Qatar Airways, British Airways offers a conversion ratio of 2 HDFC points for every British Avios point. And just like Qatar points, you can bypass this by first transferring to Finnair at 1:1 and then to British Airways at 1:1, essentially giving you a ratio of 1 HDFC point to 1 British Avios.

3. KLM + Lufthansa (85K Flying Blue points + 60K Aeroplan points + ₹51,200)

A one-stop European route with a long layover but solid business class options.

I. Outbound:
Delhi (05:29 am) → Amsterdam (10:20 am), 8h 51m, flight number KL870
Layover: 6h 20m
Amsterdam (16:40 pm) → London (17:00 pm), 1h 20m, flight number KL1013
Total: 17h 1m (incl. layover)
Cost: 85K Flying Blue points + ₹9,800

II. Return:
London (09:00 am) → Munich (11:55 am), 1h 55m, flight number LH2471
Layover: 1h 5m
Munich (13:00 pm) → Delhi (23:55 pm), 8h 55m, flight number LH762
Total: 10h 25m (incl. layover)
Cost: 60K Aeroplan points + ₹41,400

How Different Travel Cards Fare For These Flights

*Note that we've labelled HDFC Infinia / Diners Club Black and Regalia Gold as N/A for Qatar Airways because the flight is to be booked with American Airlines points, not Qatar Avios. There is no workaround to transfer HDFC points to American Airlines indirectly either (as of February 2025).

Premium Economy / Business Class from India to North America

Flying business or premium economy to the US and Canada using points can offer great value, especially when booking premium economy flights. Here’s how they fare:

I. Booking Business Class from Delhi to New York

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1. American Airlines + British Airways (167.5K AA points + ₹31,200)

A direct outbound with American Airlines and a British Airways connection on the return.

I. Outbound:
Delhi (23:30 pm) → New York (06:05 am +1 day), 16h 5m, flight number AA293
Cost: 105K American Airlines points + ₹2,900
A long but direct premium economy route with minimal cash fees.

II. Return:
New York (22:35 pm) → London (09:30 am +1 day), 6h 55m, flight number BA114
Layover: 1h 40m
London (11:10 am) → Delhi (01:15 am +1 day), 9h 5m, flight number BA143
Total: 17h 10m (incl. layover)
Cost: 62.5K American Airlines points + ₹28,300

2. British Airways (Premium Economy) (110K Alaska Mileage Plan points + ₹63,900)

I. Outbound:

Delhi (10:05 am) → London (15:25 pm), 9h 20m, flight number BA256
Layover: 2h 40m
London (18:05 pm) → New York (21:00 pm), 7h 55m, flight number BA179
Total: 20h 25m (incl. layover)
Cost: 55,000 Alaska Mileage Plan points + ₹35,500

II. Return:

New York (20:55 pm) → London (09:10 am +1 day), 6h 15m, flight number BA172
Layover: 1h 15m
London (10:25 am) → Delhi (23:35 pm), 8h 10m, flight number BA143
Total: 17h 10m (incl. layover)
Cost: 55,000 Alaska Mileage Plan points + ₹28,400

3. Cathay Pacific + Lufthansa Business Class (124.8K Qantas points + 88K Aeroplan points + ₹30,300)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (22:45 pm) → Hong Kong (06:15 am +1 day), 7h 30m, flight number CX698
Layover: 3h 15m
Hong Kong (09:30 am) → New York (13:10 pm), 15h 40m, flight number CX830
Total: 23h 55m (incl. layover)
Cost: 124.8K Qantas points + ₹27,500

II. Return:
New York (23:10 pm) → Frankfurt (11:55 am +1 day), 7h 45m, flight number LH405
Layover: 1h 0m
Frankfurt (12:55 pm) → Delhi (01:30 am +1 day), 8h 35m, flight number LH760
Total: 16h 50m (incl. layover)
Cost: 88K Aeroplan points + ₹3,800

How Different Travel Cards Fare For These Flights

II. Booking Business Class from Delhi to Toronto

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1. Air Canada Business Class (373.5K Aeroplan points + ₹13,000)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (06:20 am) → London (11:20 am), 10h 0m, flight number AC851
Layover: 6h 40m
London (18:00 pm) → Toronto (22:00 pm), 8h 0m, flight number AC859
Total: 25h 10m (incl. layover)
Cost: 185.3K Aeroplan points + ₹5,000

II. Return (Direct):
Toronto (21:00 pm) → Delhi (22:00 pm +1 day), 15h 30m, flight number AC42
Cost: 188.2K Aeroplan points + ₹6,000

2. Etihad + Swiss Business Class (150K Guest Miles + 88K Aeroplan points + ₹96,500)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (21:15 pm) → Abu Dhabi (23:25 pm), 3h 10m, flight number EY217
Layover: 3h 10m
Abu Dhabi (02:35 am) → Toronto (08:45 am), 14h 10m, flight number EY21
Total: 21h 0m (incl. layover)
Cost: 150K Guest Miles + ₹90,500

II. Return (Business Class):
Toronto (17:25 pm) → Zurich (06:35 am +1 day), 7h 10m, flight number LX81
Layover: 5h 25m
Zurich (12:00 pm) → Delhi (00:15 am +1 day), 9h 15m, flight number LX146
Total: 21h 20m (incl. layover)
Cost: 88K Aeroplan points + ₹6,000

Marriott Bonvoy allows you to transfer Bonvoy points to airline miles (usually at 3:1 ratio), but not the other way around. Once you convert Marriott points into airline miles, it’s a one-way transfer. Airlines do not offer an option to convert their miles into Marriott Bonvoy points, so plan well before you make the transfer.

How Different Travel Cards Fare For These Flights

Booking Premium & Business Class to Asian Destinations

I. Premium Flights from Delhi to Tokyo

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1. Cathay Pacific Premium Economy (118K Qantas Points + ₹23,800)

I. Outbound:
Bangalore (01:25 am) → Hong Kong (09:30 am), 7h 5m, flight number CX624
Layover: 5h 55m
Hong Kong (15:25 pm) → Tokyo Narita (20:20 pm), 5h 55m, flight number CX500
Total: 15h 25m (incl. layover)
Cost: 59K Qantas Points + ₹10,900

II. Return:
Tokyo Narita (09:00 am) → Hong Kong (13:25 pm), 4h 25m, flight number CX509
Layover: 7h 15m
Hong Kong (20:40 pm) → Bangalore (00:25 am +1 day), 5h 45m, flight number CX623
Total: 18h 55m (incl. layover)
Cost: 59K Qantas Points + ₹12,900

2. Singapore Airlines + Japan Airlines (80K Virgin Australia Velocity Points + 75K Qantas points + ₹28,800)

I. Outbound (Premium Economy):
Delhi (09:45) → Singapore (18:00), 5h 45m, flight number SQ401
Layover: 5h 55m
Singapore (23:55) → Tokyo Narita (07:30), 6h 35m, flight number SQ638
Total: 18h 15m (incl. layover)
Cost: 80K Velocity Points + ₹16,100

II. Return (Business Class):
Tokyo Haneda (10:55 am) → Delhi (16:45 pm), 9h 20m, flight number JL39
Cost: 75K Qantas Points + ₹12,700

How to Use Different Travel Credit Points For These Flights

II. Flying Return Business Class from Delhi to Seoul

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1. Thai Airways Business Class (180K United Miles + ₹3,000)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (11:40 am) → Bangkok (17:35 pm), 4h 55m, flight number TG324
Layover: 5h 55m
Bangkok (23:30 pm) → Seoul (06:55 am +1 day), 6h 25m, flight number TG656
Total: 15h 45m (incl. layover)
Cost: 90K United Miles + ₹1,500

II. Return:
Seoul (09:35 am) → Bangkok (13:25 pm), 4h 50m, flight number TG659
Layover: 5h 25m
Bangkok (18:50 pm) → Delhi (21:50 pm), 4h 0m, flight number TG315
Total: 15h 45m (incl. layover)
Cost: 90K United Miles + ₹1,500

2. Singapore Airlines Business Class (160K Aeroplan Points + ₹9,200)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (09:00 am) → Singapore (17:25 pm), 6h 25m, flight number SQ401
Layover: 6h 55m
Singapore (00:20 am) → Seoul (07:45 am), 7h 25m, flight number SQ608
Total: 19h 15m (incl. layover)
Cost: 80K Aeroplan Points + ₹4,600

II. Return:
Seoul (11:20 am) → Singapore (16:50 pm), 6h 30m, flight number SQ611
Layover: 9h 45m
Singapore (02:35 am) → Delhi (05:40 am), 5h 5m, flight number SQ402
Total: 21h 50m (incl. layover)
Cost: 80K Aeroplan Points + ₹4,600

3. Asiana + Air India Business Class (120K Aeroplan Points + ₹14,300)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (22:10 pm) → Hong Kong (06:15 am +1 day), 6h 5m, flight number AI2161
Layover: 7h 5m
Hong Kong (13:20 pm) → Seoul (17:30 pm), 4h 10m, flight number OZ722
Total: 15h 50m (incl. layover)
Cost: 60K Aeroplan Points + ₹6,400

II. Return:
Seoul (19:25 pm) → Hong Kong (22:40 pm), 3h 15m, flight number OZ745
Layover: 11h 25m
Hong Kong (10:05 am) → Delhi (13:40 pm), 3h 35m, flight number AI2162
Total: 21h 45m (incl. layover)
Cost: 60K Aeroplan Points + ₹7,900

How Different Travel Cards Fare For These Flights

Premium & Business Class from India to Australia

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I. Booking Business Class to Melbourne

1. Singapore Airlines + Turkish Airlines (160K Aeroplan Points + ₹14,600)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (21:50 pm) → Singapore (06:00 am +1 day), 8h 10m, flight number SQ403
Layover: 4h 25m
Singapore (10:25 am) → Melbourne (20:55 pm), 10h 30m, flight number TK168
Total: 17h 35m (incl. layover)
Cost: 80K Aeroplan Points + ₹5,900

II. Return:
Melbourne (22:40 pm) → Singapore (03:20 am +1 day), 7h 40m, flight number TK169
Layover: 13h 5m
Singapore (16:25 pm) → Delhi (20:00 pm), 5h 35m, flight number SQ406
Total: 26h 50m (incl. layover)
Cost: 80K Aeroplan Points + ₹8,700

2. Cathay Pacific (163.6K Qantas Points + ₹38,800)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (01:30 am) → Hong Kong (09:10 am), 6h 40m, flight number CX694
Layover: 1h 50m
Hong Kong (11:00 am) → Melbourne (23:00 pm), 9h 0m, flight number CX163
Total: 16h 0m (incl. layover)
Cost: 81.8K Qantas Points + ₹18,600

II. Return:
Melbourne (08:40 am) → Hong Kong (14:55 pm), 9h 15m, flight number CX134
Layover: 2h 45m
Hong Kong (17:40 pm) → Delhi (21:35 pm), 5h 55m, flight number CX695
Total: 18h 25m (incl. layover)
Cost: 81.8K Qantas Points + ₹20,300

How Different Travel Cards Fare For These Flights

II. Booking Business Class from India to Sydney

1. Qantas Business Class (189.8K Qantas Points + ₹22,500)

I. Outbound (Direct):
Bangalore (18:35 pm) → Sydney (10:15 am +1 day), 11h 10m, flight number QF68
Cost: 94.9K Qantas Points + ₹10,600

II. Return (Direct):
Sydney (09:05 am) → Bangalore (16:35 pm), 12h 0m, flight number QF67
Cost: 94.9K Qantas Points + ₹11,900

2. Singapore Airlines Business Class (160K Aeroplan Points + ₹16,500)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (09:00 am) → Singapore (17:25 pm), 6h 25m, flight number SQ401
Layover: 13h 50m
Singapore (07:15 am) → Sydney (17:45 pm), 10h 30m, flight number SQ241
Total: 27h 15m (incl. layover)
Cost: 80K Aeroplan Points + ₹7,200

II. Return:
Sydney (16:10 pm) → Singapore (21:20 pm), 8h 10m, flight number SQ222
Layover: 5h 5m
Singapore (02:25 am) → Delhi (05:40 am), 5h 15m, flight number SQ402
Total: 19h 0m (incl. layover)
Cost: 80K Aeroplan Points + ₹9,300

3. Air India (160K Aeroplan Points + ₹15,700)

I. Outbound (Direct):
Delhi (00:55 am) → Sydney (19:00 pm), 12h 35m, flight number AI302
Cost: 80K Aeroplan Points + ₹6,700

II. Return (Direct):
Sydney (19:20 pm) → Delhi (03:55 am +1 day), 13h 5m, flight number AI301
Cost: 80K Aeroplan Points + ₹9,000

How Different Travel Cards Fare For These Flights

Booking Business Class from India to Africa

1. Cairo With Emirates Business Class (90,000 Miles + INR 50,938)

I. Outbound:

Delhi (16:20 pm) → Dubai (18:55 pm), 3h 35m, flight number EK517
Layover: 3h 55m
Dubai (22:50 pm) → Cairo (00:50 am +1 day), 4h 00m, flight number EK925
Total Duration: 11h 0m (incl. layover)
Cost: 45,000 Emirates Skywards Miles + ₹24,875

II. Return:
Cairo (02:45 am) → Dubai (08:15 am), 4h 30m, flight number EK926
Layover: 2h 55m
Dubai (11:10 am) → Delhi (14:45 pm), 3h 35m, flight number EK510
Total Duration: 9h 30m (incl. layover)
Cost: 45,000 Emirates Skywards Miles + ₹26,063

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2. Nairobi with Etihad (311,920 Etihad Guest Miles + ₹107,698)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (04:50 am) → Abu Dhabi (07:10 am), 3h 20m, flight number EY219
Layover: 2h 55m
Abu Dhabi (10:05 am) → Nairobi (13:00 pm), 5h 55m, flight number EY767
Total Duration: 10h 40m (incl. layover)
Cost: 154,359 Guest Miles + ₹52,084

II. Return:
Nairobi (18:20 pm) → Abu Dhabi (00:10 am +1 day), 5h 50m, flight number EY768
Layover: 3h 40m
Abu Dhabi (03:50 am) → Delhi (07:55 am), 3h 35m, flight number EY212
Total Duration: 11h 5m (incl. layover)
Cost: 154,359 Guest Miles + ₹55,416

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3. EgyptAir (90K Aeroplan Points + ₹10,300)

A direct business class route with no layovers.

I. Outbound:
Delhi (11:20 am) → Cairo (15:15 pm), 7h 25m, flight number MS974
Cost: 45K Aeroplan Points + ₹4,100

II. Return:
Cairo (23:50 pm) → Delhi (09:05 am +1 day), 5h 45m, flight number MS973
Cost: 45K Aeroplan Points + ₹6,200

4. Air India (90K Aeroplan Points + ₹10,600)

I. Outbound:
Delhi (13:40 pm) → Nairobi (18:35 pm), 7h 25m, flight number AI961
Cost: 45K Aeroplan Points + ₹3,900

II. Return:
Nairobi (20:05 pm) → Delhi (06:00 am +1 day), 7h 25m, flight number AI962
Cost: 45K Aeroplan Points + ₹6,700

5. Ethiopian Airlines (90K Aeroplan Points + ₹9,200)

A direct Ethiopian Airlines route with lie-flat seats.

I. Outbound:
Delhi (02:25 am) → Addis Ababa (06:45 am), 6h 50m, flight number ET687
Cost: 45K Aeroplan Points + ₹3,900

II. Return:
Addis Ababa (22:55 pm) → Delhi (08:05 am +1 day), 6h 40m, flight number ET686
Cost: 45K Aeroplan Points + ₹5,300

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How Different Travel Cards Fare For These Flights

Summary of Spending Strategy for All Cards

Abbreviations:

• SB = SmartBuy

• L = Lakh

• K = Thousand

• RX = Rewards Xcelerator

• RM = Reward Multiplier

• Intl = International Spends

• Add. Base = Additional Base Spends

Spending Strategy to Get 100,000 Points on Each Card

• HDFC Infinia: Spend ₹55,000 per month (₹6,60,000 annually) by allocating ₹25,000 on base spends, ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Flights, ₹7,500 on SmartBuy Hotels, and ₹7,500 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• HDFC Diners Club Black: Spend ₹75,000 per month (₹9,00,000 annually) by allocating ₹30,000 on base spends, ₹10,000 on dining, ₹10,000 on SmartBuy Flights, ₹5,000 on SmartBuy Hotels, and ₹20,000 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• HDFC Regalia Gold: Spend ₹1,32,500 per month (₹15,90,000 annually) by allocating ₹87,500 on base spends, ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Travel, and ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• Axis Atlas: Spend ₹2,91,666 per month (₹35,00,000 annually) by allocating ₹2,08,333 on base spends and ₹83,333 on travel spends.

• Axis Magnus Burgundy: Spend ₹1,48,889 per month (₹1,786,667 annually) by allocating ₹1,38,889 on base spends, ₹5,000 on additional base spends, and ₹5,000 on travel spends.

• Amex Platinum Charge: Spend ₹1,00,000 per month across ₹50,000 on base domestic spends, ₹25,000 on international spends, ₹5,000 on Rewards Xcelerator, and ₹20,000 on Reward Multiplier.

Note that the numbers and spending strategies mentioned here are applicable only for earning points in increments of 100,000, 200,000.....all the way to 500,000 points. While it may look like some cards require severe spends to reach these point thresholds, like Axis Atlas for example, note that Axis Atlas as a card requires relatively few points to book award flights.
If you refer our summary tables from before, you'll notice that Axis Atlas usually requires way less than 100,000 points for any flight thanks to its 1:2 transfer ratio, which means you have to spend relatively less on the card for your flights.

Spending Strategy to Get 200,000 Points on Each Card

• HDFC Infinia: Spend ₹1,10,000 per month (₹13,20,000 annually) by allocating ₹50,000 on base spends, ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Flights, ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Hotels, and ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• HDFC Diners Club Black: Spend ₹1,25,000 per month (₹15,00,000 annually) by allocating ₹50,000 on base spends, ₹15,000 on dining, ₹20,000 on SmartBuy Flights, ₹10,000 on SmartBuy Hotels, and ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• HDFC Regalia Gold: Spend ₹2,85,000 per month (₹34,20,000 annually) by allocating ₹2,00,000 on base spends, ₹47,500 on SmartBuy Travel, and ₹37,500 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• Axis Atlas: Spend ₹5,83,334 per month (₹70,00,000 annually) by allocating ₹4,16,667 on base spends and ₹1,66,667 on travel spends.

• Axis Magnus Burgundy: Spend ₹1,82,857 per month (₹2,194,286 annually) by allocating ₹1,50,000 on base spends, ₹17,524 on additional base spends, and ₹15,333 on travel spends.

• Amex Platinum Charge: Spend ₹2,00,000 per month across ₹1,00,000 on base domestic spends, ₹50,000 on international spends, ₹10,000 on Rewards Xcelerator, and ₹40,000 on Reward Multiplier.

Spending Strategy to Get 300,000 Points on Each Card

• HDFC Infinia: Spend ₹3,60,000 per month (₹43,20,000 annually) by allocating ₹3,00,000 on base spends, ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Flights, ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Hotels, and ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• HDFC Diners Club Black: Spend ₹3,35,000 per month (₹20,40,000 annually) by allocating ₹2,40,000 on base spends, ₹20,000 on dining, ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Flights, ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Hotels, and ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• HDFC Regalia Gold: Spend ₹4,87,500 per month (₹58,50,000 annually) by allocating ₹3,75,000 on base spends, ₹75,000 on SmartBuy Travel, and ₹37,500 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• Axis Atlas: Spend ₹8,75,000 per month (₹1,05,00,000 annually) by allocating ₹6,25,000 on base spends and ₹2,50,000 on travel spends.

• Axis Magnus Burgundy: Spend ₹2,18,571 per month (₹2,622,857 annually) by allocating ₹1,50,000 on base spends, ₹36,571 on additional base spends, and ₹32,000 on travel spends.

• Amex Platinum Charge: Spend ₹3,00,000 per month across ₹1,50,000 on base domestic spends, ₹75,000 on international spends, ₹15,000 on Rewards Xcelerator, and ₹60,000 on Reward Multiplier.

Spending Strategy to Get 400,000 Points on Each Card

• HDFC Infinia: Spend ₹6,10,000 per month (₹73,20,000 annually) by allocating ₹5,50,000 on base spends, ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Flights, ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Hotels, and ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• HDFC Diners Club Black: Spend ₹5,95,000 per month (₹24,60,000 annually) by allocating ₹4,90,000 on base spends, ₹30,000 on dining, ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Flights, ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Hotels, and ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• HDFC Regalia Gold: Spend ₹8,00,000 per month (₹96,00,000 annually) by allocating ₹6,87,500 on base spends, ₹75,000 on SmartBuy Travel, and ₹37,500 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• Axis Atlas: Spend ₹11,66,666 per month (₹1,40,00,000 annually) by allocating ₹8,33,333 on base spends and ₹3,33,333 on travel spends.

• Axis Magnus Burgundy: Spend ₹2,54,286 per month (₹3,051,429 annually) by allocating ₹1,50,000 on base spends, ₹55,619 on additional base spends, and ₹48,667 on travel spends.

• Amex Platinum Charge: Spend ₹4,00,000 per month across ₹2,00,000 on base domestic spends, ₹1,00,000 on international spends, ₹20,000 on Rewards Xcelerator, and ₹80,000 on Reward Multiplier.

Spending Strategy to Get 500,000 Points on Each Card

• HDFC Infinia: Spend ₹8,60,000 per month (₹1,03,20,000 annually) by allocating ₹8,00,000 on base spends, ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Flights, ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Hotels, and ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• HDFC Diners Club Black: Spend ₹8,55,000 per month (₹30,60,000 annually) by allocating ₹7,50,000 on base spends, ₹30,000 on dining, ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Flights, ₹15,000 on SmartBuy Hotels, and ₹30,000 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• HDFC Regalia Gold: Spend ₹11,12,500 per month (₹1,33,50,000 annually) by allocating ₹10,00,012 on base spends, ₹75,000 on SmartBuy Travel, and ₹37,500 on SmartBuy Shopping.

• Axis Atlas: Spend ₹14,41,667 per month (₹1,73,00,000 annually) by allocating ₹10,41,667 on base spends and ₹4,00,000 on travel spends.

• Axis Magnus Burgundy: Spend ₹2,90,000 per month (₹3,480,000 annually) by allocating ₹1,50,000 on base spends, ₹74,667 on additional base spends, and ₹65,333 on travel spends.

• Amex Platinum Charge: Spend ₹5,00,000 per month across ₹2,50,000 on base domestic spends, ₹1,25,000 on international spends, ₹25,000 on Rewards Xcelerator, and ₹1,00,000 on Reward Multiplier.