Always Business Class

The iFLYflat Flights Club

Flight hacks, points strategies and real-life stories from the points whisperer — helping business owners Always Fly Business Class.

Episodes

  1. 09/12/2025

    Why Business Class Is Still the Smart Play in 2026

    In this episode of Always Business Class, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally break down the biggest shifts happening in travel right now — from skyrocketing business class fares post-COVID, to the upcoming Amex devaluation, to the new mindset shaping how Australians are planning their trips. Fresh off a masterclass with 2,300 Accor Plus Explorer members, Steve & Steve unpack what travellers are struggling with, what’s changed in the points game, and why travel is no longer a luxury — it’s an ambition. The conversation digs into strategy, numbers, mindset, and practical examples of how to turn points into real business class seats (without spending $12–15k a ticket). Key Takeaways: The New Travel Mindset:Travel isn’t seen as a luxury purchase anymore — it’s become an essential part of life, growth, and experience. Points vs Cash Reality:Business class can cost 5× more in cash, but only ~2× more in points. Understanding the maths is everything.   The Amex 15 December Change:Some airline transfers will now require 50% more Amex points. We explain what this actually means and what to do before it hits. Reward Seats 101:Finding seats is like fishing — you need more rods (more programs) and more ponds (more airlines). Relying only on Qantas or Virgin limits your chances heavily. Why Most Travellers Feel “Confident”… Until They Aren’t:Many Australians only know one program. When they discover how many options exist, confidence drops — which is actually a good thing. Flexible Programs = Freedom:Earning in flexible buckets (Amex, bank rewards, pay rewards) gives you more opportunities to book seats others can’t find. The Million-Point Question:Three business class seats to Europe typically require ~1M airline points. The episode breaks down how to plan backwards from the goal. Seats Come and Go:Award space constantly shifts — it’s not a one-and-done search. Persistence and strategy win every time. Why People Don’t Use Their Points:Billions of points sit untouched because travellers don’t know where to start or believe they can’t find seats. Notable Quotes “Travel is no longer a luxury — it's an ambition.” – Steve Hui “It’s not luxury travel anymore. It’s the luxury to have travel.” – Steve Pirie-Nally “If you’re earning points in one airline, you’ve only got one rod in the water.” – Steve Hui “There’s only one deal in points. A business class reward seat is always a good deal.” – Steve Hui Resources & Mentions Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/ Accor Plus Explorer Membership: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Why travel is no longer a luxury (and why points matter more than ever) 02:00 – Key insights from 2,300 webinar registrants 04:30 – The new travel personas: “journey” vs “destination” 06:20 – Post-COVID shift: experiences > things 08:00 – Why business class cash fares exploded 09:40 – “Somewhat confident” travellers and the big mindset gap 11:10 – How flexible reward programs give you more options 13:00 – Why finding reward seats is like fishing 15:30 – Why you should book one-way flights, not returns 17:10 – The case for earning points across multiple programs 19:00 – The million-point Europe calculation 21:00 – The Amex 15 Dec change — what actually happens 23:00 – How to choose where to transfer your points 25:00 – Why Virgin’s partnership with Qatar changes everything 27:00 – New airlines now accessible to Australians (Japan Airlines, Vietnam, Air Canada, etc.) 29:00 – Real member wins and fast bookings 30:20 – Final takeaway: how to think strategically about points See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  2. 25/11/2025

    Why Jack Henderson Will Never Fly Economy Again (And How You Can Think Like Him)

    In this episode of Always Business Class, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally sit down with Jack Henderson to explore the mindset, journeys, and strategies of a business owner who’s turned property investment and strategic thinking into a lifestyle of freedom and global travel. While the conversation starts with business class flights and travel experiences, it dives deep into entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, wealth creation, and the value of exposure to new ideas and environments. Jack shares his personal journey from leaving school at 15, working in mining and construction, to becoming a property investor and entrepreneur. He explains how his experiences abroad, from Dubai to the south of France, shaped his perspective on life, business, and success. Along the way, he shares insights into building wealth, leveraging points for luxurious travel, and how strategic thinking applies both in business and personal growth. Key Takeaways: Business Mindset: Success requires continuous thinking about improving your business, solving problems, and generating ideas, no matter where you are. Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur: Jack discusses how moving from mining and construction into property and business ownership transformed his life. Travel as Exposure and Inspiration: Travel exposes you to global opportunities and perspectives that shape personal and business growth. Luxury Travel Hacks: Jack explains how he leverages points for first-class travel and high-end experiences without paying full price. Goal Setting and Life Design: Using travel time for reflection, journaling, and planning, Jack defines his “perfect life” and outlines actionable steps to achieve it. Real Estate Insights: Jack provides practical advice on property affordability, geographic strategy, and wealth-building in Australia. Community and Networking: The importance of surrounding yourself with other business-minded people and leveraging relationships for opportunities. Health and Performance: Jack emphasizes limiting alcohol, maintaining sleep routines, and personal discipline for peak performance. Notable Quotes: “Most people think we talk about business class, but we actually talk about always business.” – Steve Hui “Ten years is not all that much time… I fully remember turning 18 and now at 29, my life has completely transformed.” – Jack Henderson “Success isn’t just about money; it’s about reaching a level of skill and capability that allows extreme highs and the ability to navigate lows.” – Jack Henderson “Travel exposes you to things we don’t get exposed to here in Australia and inspires me to think bigger.” – Jack Henderson Resources & Mentions: Jack Henderson: https://www.instagram.com/jackchenderson/  Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/ Sponsor: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/ Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Jack’s first business class flight and transition from employee to entrepreneur 03:00 – The role of travel in inspiring business and personal growth 07:00 – Mining to property investment: lessons in opportunity and strategy 11:30 – Leveraging points for luxury travel and experiences 16:30 – Defining life goals, building wealth, and achieving freedom 26:00 – Housing affordability and geographic strategies in Australia 31:00 – Travel routines, rituals, and hacks for high performance   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
  3. 11/11/2025

    Reimagining Your Dream Life with Business Class Travel featuring Kristina Karlsson of KIKKI. K

    Founder of global stationery icon Kikki K, Kristina Karlsson, joins Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally to share how losing her business became a catalyst for a bold new chapter. Kristina now helps millions imagine and live their dream life through freedom, creativity, and meaningful travel. The conversation unpacks the mindset shift of flying business class, earning points like a pro, stacking rewards, and combining work and world discovery in a way that fuels inspiration.   Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/ Sponsor: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/    What You Will Learn • How Kristina bounced back after Kikki K and created a business she loves even more• The practice of journaling to unlock new ideas and goals• Why business class travel is about peace, control, and productivity• How to earn Qantas Points three times on a single payment• The psychology of upgrading travel from expense into investment• The role travel plays in creativity, family values, and personal growth• Real examples of how to reach Europe in business class using points Chapters 00:10 Kristina explains how writing down her dreams changed her life01:42 Shifting identity after Kikki K and choosing to dream again04:52 Helping others escape the wrong path and start their own business06:55 Her first business class experiences and why she journals in the sky10:34 How 332,000 Qantas Points can get you to Europe return in business11:29 Triple dipping points on business expenses15:12 Travel as a source of creativity and life design17:45 Raising kids who explore the world with curiosity and confidence Kristina Karlsson, Kikki K, Always Business Class, Qantas Points, travel hacking, business class flights, dream life, journaling, entrepreneurship, creative inspiration, points stacking, Scandinavia travel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  4. 28/10/2025

    Unlocking the Secrets of Business Class Travel

    In this episode, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally dive into the world of business class travel and share insider strategies for transforming your travel experiences. From maximising points to leveraging networking opportunities, this conversation explores how travel can serve as a powerful classroom for personal and professional growth. Discover how adopting a business class mindset and embracing transformational travel can shift perspectives, create lasting connections, and elevate every journey. Key Takeaways: Steve Hui started flying business class 13 years ago without paying. Travel is one of the best classrooms out there. You don't know what you don't know until you realise it. The choice to fly business class can change your travel experience. Networking in business class can lead to unexpected opportunities. Maximising points can lead to free business class flights. Every dollar spent can earn points for travel. Transformational travel experiences can shift perspectives. It's about creating a community around travel and experiences. Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/ Sponsor: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/  Chapters: 00:00 The Journey to Business Class Mastery02:53 Transformational Travel Experiences05:44 The Power of Travel as Education08:59 Creating Lasting Impact Through Travel12:00 The Business Class Mindset14:47 Networking and Relationships in Business Class17:56 The Value of Points and Travel Hacks20:57 Maximising Business Expenses for Travel24:08 The Future of Travel and Experiences See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min
  5. 14/10/2025

    The future of luggage with July Co-founder Athan Didaskalou

    In this episode, the co-founder of July Luggage share their journey transforming the luggage industry. From travel hacks and business class experiences to innovations in luggage technology, they dive into how personal experiences, product quality, and strong brand identity have shaped their success. Discover their story working with the Australian Olympic team, insights on networking while traveling, and exciting plans for global expansion. Key Takeaways The fashion side of travel and journey experience have grown in importance post-COVID. Collaborating with the Australian Olympic team was a highlight for the brand. Travel experiences are central to July Luggage’s philosophy and identity. Networking opportunities often arise naturally while traveling, especially in airports. Travel hacks can significantly enhance your travel experience. Innovations in luggage technology, such as integrated tracking, are shaping the future of travel. July Luggage aims to become a leading Australian export. Building personal connections with customers enhances brand loyalty. Business class travel offers unique experiences and networking advantages. Plans for international expansion include markets like Korea and the US. Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/ Sponsor: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/  Chapters:00:00 – The Journey of July Luggage02:46 – Moments of Pride and Recognition05:57 – Travel Philosophy and Brand Identity08:55 – Travel Experiences and Business Class Insights11:52 – Networking Through Travel14:53 – Travel Hacks and Tips17:58 – Innovations in Luggage Technology20:56 – Future of July and Global Expansion   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  6. 13/10/2025

    Up, Up and Away | Time to take-off for the Always Business Class podcast

    Welcome to Always Business Class where your hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally explore the transformative power of travel and the often misunderstood value of frequent flyer points. They unpack how points can be viewed as money, the mindset shift that comes from experiencing business class travel, and the common misconceptions that lead to what they call “points trauma.” The discussion highlights how understanding the true value of points can unlock life-changing travel opportunities and create unforgettable experiences — all through smarter, more strategic travel planning. Key Takeaways Points can be seen as money, making travel more accessible. Experiencing business class travel shifts your mindset. Travel opens minds to new perspectives. Many people regret not starting to use points earlier. Points trauma arises from misconceptions and misuse. Understanding points value unlocks significant opportunities. Transformational travel can change lives. There are numerous ways to earn and use points effectively. The business class mindset enhances personal and professional growth. Travel hacking can lead to memorable experiences without financial burden. Join Flights Club: https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/ Sponsor: https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/  Chapters 00:00 – The Magic of Points and Travel Mindset03:06 – Transformational Travel Experiences06:09 – ‘Aha’ Moments in Travel08:52 – The Business Class Mindset12:05 – Understanding Points Value14:56 – Points Trauma and Misconceptions17:53 – Unlocking Points Potential20:56 – The Evolution of Travel Strategies24:00 – Creating Memorable Experiences26:53 – The Future of Travel and Points See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min

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Flight hacks, points strategies and real-life stories from the points whisperer — helping business owners Always Fly Business Class.