Instant Alert: This guy used a frequent-flyer loophole to take a $60,000 trip in a first class suite on Emirates Airlines — here’s what it was like

MANAGE SUBSCRIPTIONS   |   UNSUBSCRIBE   |   VIEW ONLINE   This guy used a frequent-flyer loophole to take a $60,000 trip in a first class suite on Emirates Airlines — here's what it was like by Nathan McAlone and Steven Tweedie on Oct 27, 2015, 12:14 PM If you’re looking to fly in style, it doesn’t get much better than a first class suite aboard the iconic Emirates Airlines. Travel blogger Sam Huang recently cashed in his Alaska Airlines frequent-flyer miles for a $60,000 trip around the world, and luckily he took plenty of pictures documenting what it was like. “Unlimited Don Perignon, wild caviar, and a shower spa while flying 40,000 feet in the air — it’s no wonder the Emirates First Class Suite is consistently named one of the best airline seats in the world,” Huang writes over at his travel blog, TopMiles. His trip spanned 11 cities, 7 countries, and 5 continents, and Huang managed to pay only $300 for the journey — in addition to cashing in his frequent-flyer miles — by taking advantage of a clever loophole when booking the trip. Business Insider even confirmed with the airline that the booking was legitimate. From getting to skip the boarding line and enter the plane through a private entrance, to fancy suites featuring automatic doors, shower access, and a seemingly endless supply of food and drinks, this is what it’s like (in Huang's own words) to take a trip of a lifetime. "My heart was pounding but I tried to keep a straight face. The check-in agent typed something into his computer and picked up the phone. In my head I kept on thinking, 'This is it. I'm not going to pull this off.' All of a sudden he put the phone down and smiled. A few seconds later, my ticket to Melbourne was issued and handed to me. I finally got my golden ticket, and was about to begin the greatest flying experience of my life. I've flown on other airlines' First Class seats before, but there's something about the Emirates First Class Suites that just screams decadence. The VIP treatment started the moment I stepped into the Melbourne airport. I headed straight to the Emirates First Class check-in counter, which was completely empty. Meanwhile, there was a sea of people in the Economy counter. I walked into the Qantas First Class lounge. The agent scanned my ticket, looked at me, and said "Welcome, Mr. Huang" with a big Australian smile. See the rest of the story at Business Insider   Share the latest business news with your network: Email sent to:   |   Manage your email preferences   |   Unsubscribe Terms of Service   |   Privacy Policy Business Insider. 150 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011