I'm accumulating aeroplan points with the goal of a business class flight (or preferably two so I can go with someone) to China/HK. I'm slowly but surely getting there (900 aeroplan points from AC this year so far!)

But I hear about these crazy surcharges... so is a flight redemption really worth it? If I have enough AP points to redeem 2 business class flights, how much $ do I still need to pay? What're the strategies to lower that, and is it hard?

Thanks!