Must-Do Aviation Expeditions for Enthusiasts in the Year 2025

The world of aviation offers more than just a means to travel from one place to another. For those with a penchant for adventure, the skies can be an exciting playground, and with the right miles and points, these experiences can be within reach.

The Air France Island Hopper and the Alaska Airlines Milk Run

Two routes that stand out in this regard are the Air France Island Hopper and the Alaska Airlines Milk Run. The Air France Island Hopper operates flights that hop from Miami (MIA), Fort-de-France (FDF) in Martinique, and Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP) in Guadeloupe, much like the Alaska Airlines Milk Run, which stops at cities along the southeast Alaskan coastline. Both routes are flown on Air France A320 aircraft and, since these Caribbean destinations and Alaska are departments of France, they are part of the European Union and use the euro as their currency.

Adventure Awaits with Award Flights

While direct aviation adventure experiences bookable with miles (like cockpit tours or private charters) may be limited or currently paused, there are other ways to create your own aviation adventures. Programs like Alaska Mileage Plan allow redemption on a variety of partner airlines, enabling travel to less common destinations or unique flight experiences.

For instance, using Alaska Mileage Plan miles, you can book award flights to Italy in economy, premium economy, or business class. The ability to transfer points from credit card programs makes these relatively accessible. While not an "adventure" in itself, targeting distinctive long-haul award flights on partner airlines can be an aviation experience.

Exotic Partners and Unusual Routes

Programs like Alaska Mileage Plan also allow redemption on a variety of exotic partners, such as Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Icelandair, and Starlux. This opens up travel to less common destinations or unique flight experiences. Alaska’s program is notable for its “sweet spots” and no blackout dates on Alaska-operated flights, providing flexible adventure options simply by booking flights with miles. The upcoming Hawaiian Airlines integration will also open up new routes in 2025.

Inaugural Flights and Special Experiences

Inaugural flights, when an airline begins servicing a new route, can be a unique experience, often marked by themed parties and special amenities. These flights can be booked using points or miles. For example, the Newark (EWR) to Nuuk (GOH), Greenland, flight can be booked for 80,000 United MileagePlus miles.

In addition to inaugural flights, hotel and airline loyalty programs have historically offered unique, aviation-related experiences that can be booked with points or miles, like behind-the-scenes tours, meet-and-greets, or premium event access. However, as of mid-2025, many of these programs are temporarily suspended or unavailable due to the lingering impact of COVID-19-related disruptions.

Booking the Air France Island Hopper in First Class

Booking the Air France Island Hopper in first class could result in a 35% points rebate when using Membership Rewards points or a combination of points and The Business Platinum Card from American Express.

The Emirates First Class Suite on the A380

The Emirates first class suite on the A380 is a highly sought-after air experience, featuring private check-in, a first class airport lounge, a private suite with a motorized minibar, high-end toiletries, and fresh flowers. Booking this luxurious flight can be expensive, but with miles, it becomes more accessible. For example, booking the Emirates first class suite on the A380 for a long-haul flight from Bangkok (BKK) to Hong Kong (HKG) can be done using Membership Rewards points, other flexible card rewards currencies, or by purchasing outright on the route.

The United Island Hopper

The United Island Hopper provides essential service to remote islands in Micronesia, making it a unique way to experience this part of the world. The route can be booked with United miles, and several card currencies, including Bilt Rewards points and Chase Ultimate Rewards points, can be transferred to United.

To find an inaugural flight, you can Google your preferred airline and search for new routes or check the airline's website. With a bit of planning and the right miles and points, the skies can offer unforgettable adventures.

The Air France Island Hopper and Alaska Airlines Milk Run are notable routes that offer more than just transportation, serving destinations like Miami, Fort-de-France in Martinique, Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, and cities along the southeast Alaskan coastline.
Adventure seekers can create their own aviation experiences by using miles from programs like Alaska Mileage Plan to book award flights, offering experiences such as flying to Italy in premium classes or distinctive long-haul award flights on partner airlines.
Programs like Alaska Mileage Plan also allow redemption on exotic partners like Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Icelandair, and Starlux, providing opportunities for travel to less common destinations.
Inaugural flights, when an airline begins servicing a new route, can be a unique experience, offering themed parties and special amenities, and can be booked using points or miles.
By redeeming miles or points, travelers can book the luxurious Emirates first class suite on the A380, featuring private check-in, a first class airport lounge, a private suite with a motorized minibar, high-end toiletries, and fresh flowers.
The United Island Hopper, providing essential service to remote islands in Micronesia, can be booked with United miles, making it a unique way to experience this part of the world.