Help with Asia Aeroplane itinerary optimization

I would do whatever the lowest taxes are. You will need a visa to exit the airport into turkey but 22 hours in Istanbul is totally worth it. Visa is easy to get but does cost money. Cheaper if your have an EU passport or possibly others.

Amazing city and I believe they offer free tours from the airport (though I’d do it solo on my own a family member enjoyed their tree tour) My comments are pre covid. Of course understand countries covid entry / exit and transit policies.

As for Turkish business. As far as I know they do not have solo style business class seats by which I mean direct aisle access. So you’ll have to jump over someone to use the toilet in business or have someone wake you up / jump over you. Even long haul.

I think it is a Big deal if travelling solo. I’ve flown narrowbody Turkish business between Europe and turkey and domestic turkey. Pretty good food nice staff.

The new Istanbul airport is a tacky oversized airport and you’ll likely spend a lot of time taxi endless runways.

If you’re trying to get back to YUL I’d try and get on swiss.

Low taxes is best bet but it I’m COVID out of date with the new Aeroplan program.

elideli wrote: ↑ Aeroplan novice here planning a trip to Asia and I would like to get maximum value flying business on my return trip.

I found what seems to me a good itinerary with Turkish BKK>IST>YUL going for 85k points. What I like is it has a 22h30 layover in IST. With 5k more points you can call AC to add one stop over. My question is how do I go to find a good stopover? Is this considered a good deal or can I stretch my points even further? I have full flexibility as to where I can travel and I’m using Aeroplan in conjunction with Avios to fly business to Asia from the west coast.

Other good options I found are EVA TPE-YYZ for 75k or ICN-YVR-YUL on AC for 73k.

Stopover of 22 hours and be nice or better in theory.

Turkish is on the weaker side in J class. Asian airlines have better service. The fees can be more than paying for an economy ticket on Air Canada and some other airlines so agree that is key factor. Air Canada actually has a good product with lie flat and without a First Class it feels a bit more exclusive.