Tips for Booking Reward Flights

Booking reward flights using miles and points can be one of the most satisfying ways to travel. Not only does it save money, but it also opens doors to premium cabins and destinations you might not have otherwise considered. However, mastering the art of redeeming flight rewards requires strategy, patience, and a little insider knowledge. Here, we’ll dive into expert tips to help you maximize the value of your airline miles and points.  

1. Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible

One of the golden rules for booking reward flights is to start planning as early as possible. Airlines often release reward seats 11-12 months before the travel date, which is when you’re most likely to find availability. However, flexibility with your travel dates and times can make a huge difference.  

Pro Tip: Use flexible date search tools available on airline websites to identify the cheapest days to redeem miles. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often have better availability.  

2. Leverage Airline Alliances and Partners

Airline alliances like Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam allow you to use points from one airline to book flights on partner airlines. This can be particularly helpful when your desired airline has no availability.  

• Example: If you're an American Airlines AAdvantage member, you can redeem miles on Qatar Airways or British Airways as part of the oneworld alliance.  
• Pro Tip: Always check the partner airline options for routes to your destination—these often have more availability and better value.  

3. Be Strategic with Your Miles  

Not all miles are created equal. Some frequent flyer programs offer better value for your points than others, especially for premium cabin redemptions.  

Tip: Research redemption sweet spots—routes or airlines where you can get the most value from your miles. For example, booking business class on ANA (All Nippon Airways) using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points can be a great deal.  

4. Take Advantage of Stopovers and Open-Jaw Tickets 

Many airline reward programs allow stopovers and open-jaw tickets, giving you the chance to explore multiple destinations on one ticket.  

• Stopover: A long layover (over 24 hours) at an airline’s hub city.  
• Open-Jaw: Flying into one city and out of another.  
• Example: With Alaska Airlines miles, you can book a stopover in Tokyo when flying to Southeast Asia with Japan Airlines.  

5. Use Award Search Engines and Tools

Award search engines and tools like ExpertFlyer, SeatSpy, or the airline’s own booking portal can simplify the search process.  

• Pro Tip: Set up alerts for when reward seats become available. This saves time and helps you snag deals quickly.  
• Bonus Tip: Check both round-trip and one-way options, as sometimes splitting the booking can offer more flexibility and lower costs.  

6. Understand Dynamic Pricing and Award Charts

Airlines have shifted to dynamic pricing models where the number of miles required depends on the cash price of the ticket. However, some airlines still use fixed award charts.  

Dynamic Pricing: Delta SkyMiles, for example, often fluctuates based on demand.  

Fixed Charts: Programs like Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer use a fixed redemption chart for better predictability.  

Pro Tip: Study the reward chart or pricing model of your preferred airline to time your booking strategically.  

7. Be Mindful of Taxes and Fees

Reward flights aren’t always free. Depending on the airline and route, you may need to pay taxes, fuel surcharges, or other fees.  

• Tip: Airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, and United Airlines tend to have lower fees, whereas British Airways and Lufthansa are known for higher surcharges.  
• Pro Tip: Use miles to book flights originating in countries with lower taxes, such as Hong Kong or Brazil.  

8. Book One-Way Tickets for Flexibility

Many airlines allow you to book one-way reward tickets for half the miles of a round trip. This gives you more flexibility in choosing flights and destinations.  

Pro Tip: Mix and match airlines for each leg to maximize availability and value.  

9. Don’t Wait for the Perfect Redemption

Sometimes, waiting for the "perfect" redemption can lead to missed opportunities. If you find a good deal, grab it before it’s gone. Availability changes rapidly, especially for popular routes.  

10. Use Credit Card Points Wisely

If your miles fall short, many credit card programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points allow you to transfer points to airline partners.  

Pro Tip: Look for transfer bonuses. For instance, American Express often offers a 30% bonus when transferring points to certain airlines, giving you more miles for the same points.  

11. Keep an Eye on Expiring Miles

Some frequent flyer programs have expiration dates for miles if there’s no account activity. Avoid losing your hard-earned miles by keeping your account active.  

Pro Tip: Earn miles through dining, shopping portals, or small purchases on a co-branded credit card to extend the expiration date.  

12. Call the Airline if Needed

Not all reward availability is visible online. Sometimes, calling the airline's customer service or rewards desk can uncover hidden options or help resolve booking issues.  

Pro Tip: Be prepared with alternate dates and routes before calling to make the process smoother.  

13. Monitor Promotions and Sales

Airlines and credit card companies frequently run promotions offering bonus miles or discounted reward flights.  

Pro Tip: Sign up for newsletters from your favorite airlines to stay updated on these deals.  

14. Consider Off-Peak Travel

Traveling during off-peak seasons often requires fewer miles and offers better availability.  

Example: British Airways offers discounted redemptions for off-peak dates on its award chart.  

15. Be Persistent and Patient

Booking reward flights can sometimes feel like a game of trial and error. If you don’t find availability right away, keep checking as seats may open closer to the travel date.  

Final Thoughts 

Booking reward flights is an art that can save you thousands of dollars while allowing you to experience the joy of premium travel. By planning strategically, leveraging alliances, and staying flexible, you can unlock incredible value from your miles and points.  

Start exploring the possibilities today, and don’t forget: the journey is as exciting as the destination!

Other travel related blogs:

• How to Earn Most Airline Miles with Everyday Purchases
• Top 10 Frequent Flyer Programs
• Review: United Airlines 777-200 First Class