Smart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points

Welcome to Smart With Points, the podcast where we dive into the world of miles and points, and explore the best ways to travel for less. I'm your host, Jack, and I'm excited to share some fantastic news with you today. Garuda Indonesia has quietly joined the Avios ecosystem as an earning and redemption partner through Qatar Airways. This is huge news for UK travellers looking to maximise their Avios collection, and it opens up some amazing new options for reaching popular destinations in Southeast Asia. One of the most significant benefits of this partnership is that it provides a new way to reach Bali, which is a notoriously difficult destination to find award seats for. With Garuda Indonesia now part of the Avios family, you can fly from Singapore to Bali for just 9,000 Avios one-way in economy. That's an incredible deal, and it's especially attractive for UK travellers who frequently connect through Singapore. But that's not all - this partnership also opens up some other great options for travel within Southeast Asia. You can fly from Singapore to Jakarta for just 6,000 Avios one-way in economy, or from Sydney to Bali for 16,000 Avios one-way in economy. And if you're looking to splurge, you can even fly business class from Singapore to Bali for 18,000 Avios one-way. Now, I know what you're thinking - how do I book these flights? The process is actually pretty straightforward. First, you'll need to create a Qatar Airways Privilege Club account if you don't already have one. Then, you'll need to link it to your British Airways Club account. Once you've done that, you can search and book your flights directly through the Qatar Airways platform. One thing to keep in mind is that when you book, the system will automatically pull Avios from your linked BA account - no manual transfers required. However, note that only Avios from your personal BA account can be used, not from a household account. Personally, I'm really excited about this development, and I'm already thinking about how I can use it to maximise my own Avios earnings and redemptions. I've earned British Airways Gold status through my tier point run last year, and I'm always looking for ways to make the most of it. For my planned Asia trip next year, I'm considering using my Capital on Tap business card for ongoing Avios accumulation, flying to Singapore on a main carrier, and then adding a Bali side-trip using this new 9,000 Avios sweet spot. I'm also thinking about exploring a multi-city itinerary that incorporates Jakarta as well. Before you start booking, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Companion vouchers from American Express or Barclaycard cannot be used on these redemptions, and the partnership is still new, so expect some teething issues with award availability. Taxes and fees will also apply, though exact amounts aren't fully clear yet. Overall, this Garuda partnership is a game-changer for Avios collectors, and it opens up some amazing new possibilities for travel within Southeast Asia and beyond. The Singapore-Bali sweet spot at just 9,000 Avios is a standout opportunity that provides valuable flexibility for reaching one of the region's most sought-after destinations. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Smart With Points. If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest news and tips on miles and points, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms, or visit our website at smartwithpoints.co.uk. And finally, a quick word from our sponsor. Looking for the best award flights? Use AwardTravelFinder.com to search availability across Qatar Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and more. Try it for free with our link in the shownotes.