Getting closer but a long way to my business class seating goal

Here’s the plan.

Business class travel to Malaysia in the summer of 2015. Using Aeroplan miles = 155k (ouch).

As you can see, at roughly 114k miles, I’ve still got a long way to go.

• Can Tank get to Malaysia on Aeroplan Miles (November 2013 posting)

Here are some of the things I’ve done since my last post to rack up the miles.

• Gas up at Esso. No exceptions.
• Drugstore purchases at Rexall.
• Flew to Cuba on Air Canada with a connection (going) and layover (returning) in Toronto. Lost some sleep and time, but earned an extra 3000 miles. Would normally have flown direct from Vancouver via Westjet, Air Transat or Sunwing.
• Booked two trips on United Airlines, where I normally would have flown another airline. United flight miles can be converted to Aeroplan miles.

Here’s the problem going forward (I know, first world problem. I don’t take for granted for one second how fortunate I am).

It can be hard to get Aeroplan seats on planes.

I have enough points now (90k) for economy travel to Kota Kinabalu. I could book an economy seat many, many months in advance and probably get the days of travel I want.

OR

I can keep growing Aeroplan points in the hope of flying business class, with the hope there will still be Aeroplan seats in business class available when I want to travel.

Stay tuned.

• Tank’s United Alrlines saga(s)

Any advice?