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 Mastery
02:53 Transformational Travel Experiences
05:44 The Power of Travel as Education
08:59 Creating Lasting Impact Through Travel
12:00 The Business Class Mindset
14:47 Networking and Relationships in Business Class
17:56 The Value of Points and Travel Hacks
20:57 Maximising Business Expenses for Travel
24:08 The Future of Travel and Experiences

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:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Steve Hui started flying business class 13 years ago without paying.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Travel is one of the best classrooms out there.</li>
<li aria-level="1">You don't know what you don't know until you realise it.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The choice to fly business class can change your travel experience.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Networking in business class can lead to unexpected opportunities.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Maximising points can lead to free business class flights.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Every dollar spent can earn points for travel.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Transformational travel experiences can shift perspectives.</li>
<li aria-level="1">It's about creating a community around travel and experiences.</li>
</ul>
Join Flights Club: <a href="https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/">https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/</a>
Sponsor: <a href="https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/">https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/</a>&nbsp;
Chapters: 00:00 The Journey to Business Class Mastery 02:53 Transformational Travel Experiences 05:44 The Power of Travel as Education 08:59 Creating Lasting Impact Through Travel 12:00 The Business Class Mindset 14:47 Networking and Relationships in Business Class 17:56 The Value of Points and Travel Hacks 20:57 Maximising Business Expenses for Travel 24:08 The Future of Travel and Experiences

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

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

Always Business Class

Unlocking the Secrets of Business Class Travel

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

In this episode of Always Business Class, hosts Steve Hui and Steve Pirie-Nally break down the biggest shifts happening in travel right now &mdash; 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 &amp; Steve unpack what travellers are struggling with, what&rsquo;s changed in the points game, and why travel is no longer a luxury &mdash; it&rsquo;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&ndash;15k a ticket).
Key Takeaways:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The New Travel Mindset: Travel isn&rsquo;t seen as a luxury purchase anymore &mdash; it&rsquo;s become an essential part of life, growth, and experience. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Points vs Cash Reality: Business class can cost 5&times; more in cash, but only ~2&times; more in points. Understanding the maths is everything.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">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. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Reward Seats 101: Finding seats is like fishing &mdash; you need more rods (more programs) and more ponds (more airlines). Relying only on Qantas or Virgin limits your chances heavily. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Why Most Travellers Feel &ldquo;Confident&rdquo;&hellip; Until They Aren&rsquo;t: Many Australians only know one program. When they discover how many options exist, confidence drops &mdash; which is actually a good thing. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Flexible Programs = Freedom: Earning in flexible buckets (Amex, bank rewards, pay rewards) gives you more opportunities to book seats others can&rsquo;t find. </li>
<li aria-level="1">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. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Seats Come and Go: Award space constantly shifts &mdash; it&rsquo;s not a one-and-done search. Persistence and strategy win every time. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Why People Don&rsquo;t Use Their Points: Billions of points sit untouched because travellers don&rsquo;t know where to start or believe they can&rsquo;t find seats.</li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;Travel is no longer a luxury &mdash; it's an ambition.&rdquo; &ndash; Steve Hui</li>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not luxury travel anymore. It&rsquo;s the luxury to have travel.&rdquo; &ndash; Steve Pirie-Nally</li>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;If you&rsquo;re earning points in one airline, you&rsquo;ve only got one rod in the water.&rdquo; &ndash; Steve Hui</li>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;There&rsquo;s only one deal in points. A business class reward seat is always a good deal.&rdquo; &ndash; Steve Hui</li>
</ul>
Resources &amp; Mentions
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Join Flights Club:<a href="https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/"> https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Accor Plus Explorer Membership:<a href="https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/"> https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/</a></li>
</ul>
Episode Highlights
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">00:00 &ndash; Why travel is no longer a luxury (and why points matter more than ever)</li>
<li aria-level="1">02:00 &ndash; Key insights from 2,300 webinar registrants</li>
<li aria-level="1">04:30 &ndash; The new travel personas: &ldquo;journey&rdquo; vs &ldquo;destination&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">06:20 &ndash; Post-COVID shift: experiences &gt; things</li>
<li aria-level="1">08:00 &ndash; Why business class cash fares exploded</li>
<li aria-level="1">09:40 &ndash; &ldquo;Somewhat confident&rdquo; travellers and the big mindset gap</li>
<li aria-level="1">11:10 &ndash; How flexible reward programs give you more options</li>
<li aria-level="1">13:00 &ndash; Why finding reward seats is like fishing</li>
<li aria-level="1">15:30 &ndash; Why you should book one-way flights, not returns</li>
<li aria-level="1">17:10 &ndash; The case for earning points across multiple programs</li>
<li aria-level="1">19:00 &ndash; The million-point Europe calculation</li>
<li aria-level="1">21:00 &ndash; The Amex 15 Dec change &mdash; what actually happens</li>
<li aria-level="1">23:00 &ndash; How to choose where to transfer your points</li>
<li aria-level="1">25:00 &ndash; Why Virgin&rsquo;s partnership with Qatar changes everything</li>
<li aria-level="1">27:00 &ndash; New airlines now accessible to Australians (Japan Airlines, Vietnam, Air Canada, etc.)</li>
<li aria-level="1">29:00 &ndash; Real member wins and fast bookings</li>
<li aria-level="1">30:20 &ndash; Final takeaway: how to think strategically about points</li>
</ul>

Why Business Class Is Still the Smart Play in 2026

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

 

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&rsquo;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:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Business Mindset: Success requires continuous thinking about improving your business, solving problems, and generating ideas, no matter where you are. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur: Jack discusses how moving from mining and construction into property and business ownership transformed his life. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Travel as Exposure and Inspiration: Travel exposes you to global opportunities and perspectives that shape personal and business growth. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Luxury Travel Hacks: Jack explains how he leverages points for first-class travel and high-end experiences without paying full price. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Goal Setting and Life Design: Using travel time for reflection, journaling, and planning, Jack defines his &ldquo;perfect life&rdquo; and outlines actionable steps to achieve it. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Real Estate Insights: Jack provides practical advice on property affordability, geographic strategy, and wealth-building in Australia. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Community and Networking: The importance of surrounding yourself with other business-minded people and leveraging relationships for opportunities. </li>
<li aria-level="1">Health and Performance: Jack emphasizes limiting alcohol, maintaining sleep routines, and personal discipline for peak performance. </li>
</ul>
Notable Quotes:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;Most people think we talk about business class, but we actually talk about always business.&rdquo; &ndash; Steve Hui </li>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;Ten years is not all that much time&hellip; I fully remember turning 18 and now at 29, my life has completely transformed.&rdquo; &ndash; Jack Henderson </li>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;Success isn&rsquo;t just about money; it&rsquo;s about reaching a level of skill and capability that allows extreme highs and the ability to navigate lows.&rdquo; &ndash; Jack Henderson </li>
<li aria-level="1">&ldquo;Travel exposes you to things we don&rsquo;t get exposed to here in Australia and inspires me to think bigger.&rdquo; &ndash; Jack Henderson </li>
</ul>
Resources &amp; Mentions:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Jack Henderson: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jackchenderson/">https://www.instagram.com/jackchenderson/</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Join Flights Club:<a href="https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/"> https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Sponsor:<a href="https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/"> https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/</a> </li>
</ul>
Episode Highlights:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">00:00 &ndash; Jack&rsquo;s first business class flight and transition from employee to entrepreneur</li>
<li aria-level="1">03:00 &ndash; The role of travel in inspiring business and personal growth</li>
<li aria-level="1">07:00 &ndash; Mining to property investment: lessons in opportunity and strategy</li>
<li aria-level="1">11:30 &ndash; Leveraging points for luxury travel and experiences</li>
<li aria-level="1">16:30 &ndash; Defining life goals, building wealth, and achieving freedom</li>
<li aria-level="1">26:00 &ndash; Housing affordability and geographic strategies in Australia</li>
<li aria-level="1">31:00 &ndash; Travel routines, rituals, and hacks for high performance</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

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

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 life
01:42 Shifting identity after Kikki K and choosing to dream again
04:52 Helping others escape the wrong path and start their own business
06:55 Her first business class experiences and why she journals in the sky
10:34 How 332,000 Qantas Points can get you to Europe return in business
11:29 Triple dipping points on business expenses
15:12 Travel as a source of creativity and life design
17:45 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

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.
&nbsp;
Join Flights Club:<a href="https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/"> https://iflyflat.com.au/membership/</a>
Sponsor:<a href="https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/"> </a><a href="https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/">https://www.accorplus.com/explorer-membership/</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
What You Will Learn &bull; How Kristina bounced back after Kikki K and created a business she loves even more &bull; The practice of journaling to unlock new ideas and goals &bull; Why business class travel is about peace, control, and productivity &bull; How to earn Qantas Points three times on a single payment &bull; The psychology of upgrading travel from expense into investment &bull; The role travel plays in creativity, family values, and personal growth &bull; Real examples of how to reach Europe in business class using points
Chapters 00:10 Kristina explains how writing down her dreams changed her life 01:42 Shifting identity after Kikki K and choosing to dream again 04:52 Helping others escape the wrong path and start their own business 06:55 Her first business class experiences and why she journals in the sky 10:34 How 332,000 Qantas Points can get you to Europe return in business 11:29 Triple dipping points on business expenses 15:12 Travel as a source of creativity and life design 17:45 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

Unlocking the Secrets of Business Class Travel

In 1 playlist(s)

Always Business Class

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips