How I Fly Business Class Using AMEX Points (Without a Business-Class Budget)

Luxury travel has never meant spending money without thinking for me. For me, it’s about making smart choices, thinking ahead, and getting the most out of what you already spend.

For years, I believed that flying business class was only for CEOs, people with extreme travel budgets, or travelers who are constantly flexible.That changed when I discovered how American Express points really work and how, even in Belgium, you can convert them into air miles and fly business class for a surprisingly reasonable price.

In this article, I share:

• how AMEX works

• how you earn points

• how we use this system in Belgium

• and how we use those points for more luxurious flights
  

All based on our own experience.

What Is American Express and How Does It Work?

American Express (AMEX) is a credit card that allows you to earn points on your everyday spending through the Membership Rewards program.

In exchange for an annual membership fee, you receive:

• points on almost all purchases

• Access to Airport Lounges wordlwide

• strong travel insurance

• and extra benefits such as dining credits
  

One benefit that’s often overlooked:With AMEX, you can enjoy up to three €100 dining credits per year at selected restaurants. This is pure added value and already covers part of the annual fee.

Important to know: AMEX is not a card to spend carelessly with. We use it intentionally and pay off the full balance every month.

How Do You Earn AMEX Points?

You don’t earn points by spending more money, you earn them by routing everything you already pay through one card.

We use our AMEX for:

• groceries

• online shopping

• hotels

• flights

• restaurants

• larger travel-related expenses

Every euro earns points.

From AMEX Points to Miles

AMEX points are not airline miles.

You first collect Membership Rewards points and only convert them when you actually want to book a flight.

We usually choose Avios, because we often fly to the Middle East and Asia, including flights with Qatar Airways.

What we do very consciously:

• keep as many points as possible in one frequent flyer program

• avoid spreading points across multiple programs

• think long term

This makes it much easier to book bigger rewards, such as business class flights.

Our First Business Class Flight: 190,000 Points for Two

We booked our first business class flight using 190,000 Avios for two people, flying to Doha with Qatar Airways.This was roughly equivalent to 86,000 AMEX points. For us, this was a real turning point.

Not because the flight was “free” because we still paid around €500 in taxes for the two of us, but because we suddenly understood how much value you can get from points when you use them strategically. The comfort, the experience, the calm… it was a completely different level compared to economy.

To put this into perspective:Through my AMEX referral, you receive 250,000 points, which is more than enough to start thinking in the same direction.

Flying Business Class With Miles (Even Without Flexibility)

I often hear:“But you’re flexible, you don’t have children.”

Honestly? No.I work in education, which means I’m tied to school holiday periods.

What we do instead:

• plan well in advance

• compare different routes

• monitor availability early
  

Flexibility is definitely an advantage if you have it , but it’s not a requirement.

A realistic comparison:

• Economy (cash): €800–€1,000

• Busihttp://hack.Ihttp://hack.Ittness (cash): €2,500–€4,000

• Business (miles): often €400–€600 + miles
  

Not every flight is business class.But when it works, the comfort is absolutely worth it.

My AMEX Referral: How to Get Started

If you want to start using this strategy yourself, I genuinely recommend applying for AMEX via my personal referral link.

Through this link, you can receive up to 250,000 bonus points after one year of membership.That’s a huge boost toward your first (or next) business class flight.

I share this link because:

• I actively use AMEX myself

• this is exactly how we plan our travels

• I only share what I truly use and believe in
  

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a hack, it is simply about being smart with what you already spend.

For me, this has completely changed the way I travel. And I share this because many people think this is “not for them,” while in reality, it often is.

Have questions? Feel free to send me a DM on Instagram.