Travel Hacking 101: Let Me Upgrade You
Your Easy-to-Understand Points and Miles Travel Strategy for Beginners
by Dayvee Sutton
Table of Contents
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Traveling for free or the concept of using points and miles to travel can seem so daunting. But once you demystify the idea, you can create a strategy that works for your lifestyle. There is one main vehicle you’ll need to play this game – and that is your credit card – and don’t worry, this guide will bring clarity on what you can do to narrow down which credit card you can apply for (according to your lifestyle). There are many different ways to earn points and miles, and once you have the points, you can use them to book travel on airlines, hotels, and other travel-related activities.
It takes a little time to get the hang of it, but once you do travel hacking can be your go-to strategy for booking travel.
Looking to cut to the chase?
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Large signup bonus and flexibility for point transfers: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Premium privileges and bonus travel benefits: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Benefits for business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Travel Hacking Challenges for Beginners
Before we really dig in, we have to acknowledge that the biggest problem for people trying to learn about points and reward travel is information overload. The world of travel rewards, frequent flyer miles, and credit card points can be incredibly complex and overwhelming.
Complexity of Programs: There are numerous loyalty programs, each with its rules, earning structures, and redemption options.
Changing Rules: Loyalty programs frequently update their terms and conditions, earning rates, and redemption options.
Variety of Credit Cards: Credit cards play a significant role in earning points and miles. However, there are numerous credit cards on the market, each with its features, fees, and benefits.
Managing Points: Keeping track of your points and miles from different programs can be challenging.
Travel Hacking Risks: Some folks may be tempted to engage in “travel hacking” without being fully prepared to balance all that it takes to manage multiple credit cards responsibly.
Misleading Information: The internet is filled with information about points and reward travel, but not all of it is accurate or up-to-date.
To address these challenges, beginners should start by:
Educating Themselves: Take the time to learn the basics of loyalty programs and reward currencies. Understand the value of points and miles in various programs.
Setting Clear Goals: Define your travel goals and determine which loyalty programs and credit cards align with those goals.
Seeking Trusted Sources: Rely on reputable sources of information, such as official program websites, travel forums, and established travel reporters and bloggers.
Start Slowly: Avoid diving into complex strategies right away. Start with a single loyalty program or credit card and gradually expand your knowledge and portfolio as you gain experience.
Managing Finances Responsibly: Be cautious with credit card applications and spending to earn rewards. Maintain a good credit score and only engage in travel hacking strategies if you fully understand the risks and responsibilities involved.
Staying Updated: Stay informed about changes in loyalty programs and credit card offers to adapt your strategy accordingly. Reading travel miles blogs and joining travel miles forums can help you keep track of industry-wide news.
Creating Your Travel Hacking Strategy
The first bit of travel miles advice is that you want to determine what you want to redeem your points for. Obviously, you’re reading this because you’re interested in traveling more and paying less for it. But just as a background, some people like to use their points and convert them to cashback or gift cards to make purchases at some of the top retailers, like Target and Amazon.
But back to you (the person who wants to travel), you can decide if you want to focus your travel hacking strategy on free airfare or hotels. Are you a business traveler who always stays in Marriotts or Hiltons? Are you a leisure traveler who really just wants to experience that upgraded life when booking your holidays? Or do you want access to both lifestyles? Understanding your wants as a foundation will lead you to the next step.
Breaking Down the Basics of Points Travel
As mentioned in the introduction, the main vehicle you will need to play this game of travel hacking is one (or more) credit card. The secondary layer is to enroll and maximize loyalty programs. But before signing up for any new cards and joining new loyalty programs, you should take an inventory of what cards and programs you already have in your wallet.
These days in order to stay competitive most credit cards have some benefits for their users, and every credit card and reward program is different. So check what you already have and note if the benefits align with some of the things you already do. For example, does one of your go-to cards give you cash back at gas stations or when dining at particular restaurants? There are cards that reward you in a variety of ways like air miles, hotel points, cash back, or membership rewards. Next, we’ll break down the ways you can earn these points and rewards.
Types of Points and Miles
Think of points and miles as it’s own currency. Just like how you can invest in stocks, cryptocurrencies, bonds, or foreign currencies, travel rewards are your ticket to paying for your adventures without needing loads of cash.
There are three types of travel rewards:
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Airline Miles
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Hotel Points
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Transferable Points Earned with Credit Cards
Airline Miles
Airline miles are unique to each airline. For example, Delta SkyMiles; to accrue these miles, you’ll need to enroll in Delta’s frequent flyer program. Once enrolled, whenever you travel with Delta or any of its SkyTeam Alliance partners, simply include your SkyMiles number in your reservation to accumulate miles based on your flight.
Additionally, airlines like Delta often offer co-branded credit cards in collaboration with American Express, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card. These cards allow you to earn Delta SkyMiles with every purchase. Using this card for everyday expenses is one of the ways to collect Delta frequent flyer miles.
The number of miles you accumulate on a flight depends on several factors like your seat class, the distance flown, and your ticket’s cost. Similarly, with a co-branded credit card, the number of miles you earn varies based on the type of purchase. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card may grant you 2 SkyMiles per $1 spent on dining and groceries, and 1 SkyMile per dollar on all other purchases.
Once you’ve collected enough miles, you can redeem them for award tickets on Delta. Generally, airline miles aren’t transferable directly from one airline to another, so it’s crucial to use the miles within the specific airline’s ecosystem.
Here’s a table that includes the top domestic airline frequent flyer programs in the United States along with their partnership networks.
| Airline | Frequent Flyer Program | Partnership Network |
|---|---|---|
|
Delta Air Lines |
Extensive partnerships, including SkyTeam Alliance members and other international airlines. |
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American Airlines |
Oneworld Alliance partners and various other international airline partnerships. |
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United Airlines |
Star Alliance partners and other international airline collaborations. |
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Southwest Airlines |
Limited international partnerships; primarily a point-to-point domestic carrier. |
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JetBlue Airways |
Partnerships with international airlines like Emirates and more. |
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Alaska Airlines |
Partnerships with international airlines like Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and more. |
Hotel Points
Hotel points work very similarly to airline miles. Here’s a list of the top programs.
| Hotel Loyalty Program | Hotel Brands Included |
|---|---|
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Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Ritz-Carlton, and more |
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Hilton Hotels and Resorts |
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Park Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Regency, and more |
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InterContinental Hotels, Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, and more |
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Sofitel, Novotel, Mercure, and more |
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Wyndham, Ramada, Days Inn, and more |
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Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Econo Lodge, and more |
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Radisson Blu, Park Inn, Country Inn & Suites, and more |
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Meliá Hotels International |
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Best Western hotels |
Travel hacking to get those valuable hotel points is pretty straightforward. You can scoop up these points by either booking hotel stays with your favorite hotel chain or by using their special credit card. Speaking of credit cards, just like airlines have their credit cards, hotels have their own too. These hotel credit cards are pretty cool because they reward you with bonus points every time you use them at their hotels. Take the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, for instance; it can snag you 17 points for every dollar you spend at any of their 7,000 participating hotels.
Also, being part of the hotel’s loyalty program can give you extra perks like a free drink or water in your room or access to member-only ammenities.
Now, here’s the fun part – using those hard-earned hotel points. The best way to enjoy them is by booking a free night. Yep, many hotel chains love to treat their loyal members by giving away free nights in exchange for those points. For example, with Marriott, if you book four award nights, they’ll toss in the fifth night absolutely free. It’s a sweet deal!
Oh, and one more thing, sometimes you can swap your hotel points for airline miles, but I’ve got to warn you, the exchange rates aren’t always in your favor. So, it’s usually best to stick with booking your dream hotel stay with those points.
Transferable points with credit cards
The most flexible type of travel rewards currency are the points you earn that can be transferred to different platforms and programs. Once you have enough they can be cashed in for things like gift cards, cash back, or by transferring to specific airline partners, (instead of being locked in to just one airline or hotel partner).
American Express, is often considered the most valuable and most premium program in the travel industry. AMEX points can be used on 18 airlines and three hotel groups, top restaurants, and entertainment experiences. To earn the points, the most common route is by spending on credit cards tied to these point systems.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card is also one of the best travel credit cards and is continually voted No. 1 premium credit card by several top credit card site users. I really like the flexibility of being able to use the point for so many things. Plus the annual statement credit of $300 of travel expenses charged to the card for each cardmember year, really helps offset the annual fee costs.
Here’s a list of the top travel reward programs.
| Transferable Points Program | Key Features | Partner Airlines | Partner Hotels |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chase Ultimate Rewards |
- Transfer points to airlines at 1:1 ratio
- Earn points with Chase credit cards |
11 airline partners |
Hyatt, Marriott |
|
American Express Membership Rewards |
- Earn points with American Express credit cards
- Transfer points to airline and hotel partners |
20+ airline partners |
Various hotel partners |
|
Citi ThankYou Rewards |
- Earn points with Citi credit cards |
15+ airline partners |
Various hotel partners |
|
Capital One Miles |
- Earn miles with Capital One credit cards |
18+ airline partners |
Various hotel partners |
Please note that the number of partner airlines and hotels may vary, and it’s essential to check the latest information on the respective program’s website for the most up-to-date details on partners and benefits.
Types of Travel Credit Cards
Airline Credit Cards
As we alluded to before, most major airlines offer co-branded credit cards where you can earn miles with their loyalty programs. (This means that just by having the credit card you will also enroll in their loyalty program.) So if you get one of the Delta AMEX cards, you’re also a part of Sky Team. This is beneficial if you are a loyal flyer of Delta or a Sky Team affiliate so you can strategically compound and maximize the way you can earn points for upgraded experiences and free travel.
Hotel Credit Cards
Similarly, many major hotel brands have co-branded credit cards that will earn you hotel loyalty points. As with our earlier example with Marriott, the biggest hotel group in the U.S., their Marriott Bonvoy cards offer perks like free nights and points for everyday spending like gas, grocery, and dining. When you accumulate enough points you can cash them in for free nights at Marriott hotels. (This includes their luxury lines, like The Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott.)
Cash Back
If you want cash on hand and instant gratification you may want to select a card that offers cashback. This strategy doesn’t directly help you with travel, but you can certainly allocate the cashback earnings toward your travel expenses. But please note, cashback is typically the worst redemption rate for your points and is generally not a recommended strategy. Think about it, credit cards really don’t want to just hand back cash. They’d rather reward with points. You can use 40,000 AMEX points to give yourself $400 off your bill or you can use that same amount of points for more than $1,000 in travel.
Membership Rewards
Credit card membership rewards are the most flexible and you can use them to book travel, gift cards at top retailers, or cash back. Chase, AMEX, and other bank cards of these rewards, but are the worst ways to redeem your points. Instead, you should transfer your points to that card’s travel partner or loyalty program. For example, AMEX card holders can link their account to their Delta Sky Miles, and that transfer will give you access to using points to redeem flights.
Here's a chart for top travel credit cards.
| Credit Card | Best For | Key Benefits | Welcome Bonus | Points/Miles Earning Rate | Redemption Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
Beginners |
- 5x points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3x points on dining - 2x points on all other travel purchases |
60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months |
1.25 cents per point for travel booked through Chase or transfer to 14 airline and hotel partners |
Travel bookings through Chase or transfer to airline and hotel partners |
|
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card |
Earning Miles |
- 2x miles on all purchases |
100,000 miles after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months |
1 cent per mile for travel statement credits or transfer to 15+ airline partners |
Travel statement credits or transfer to airline partners |
|
The Platinum Card® from American Express |
Lounge Access |
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide
- Up to $200 in Uber credits annually - Up to $200 in airline fee credits annually |
100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months |
Varies depending on redemption, including travel bookings through Amex Travel or transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners |
Travel bookings through Amex Travel or transfer to airline and hotel partners |
|
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card |
Premium Travel |
- Up to $300 in annual statement credits for travel purchases
- Up to $100 in application fee credits for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® - Visa Infinite Concierge service |
100,000 miles after spending $10,000 in the first 6 months |
1 cent per mile for travel statement credits or transfer to 15+ airline partners |
Travel statement credits or transfer to airline partners |
|
American Express® Gold Card |
Dining at Restaurants |
- 4x Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide
- 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year)
- Up to $120 in annual dining credits at select restaurants |
60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months |
Varies depending on redemption, including travel bookings through Amex Travel or transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners |
Travel bookings through Amex Travel or transfer to airline and hotel partners |
Before You Get Started
Here’s a checklist of things people should do before they get started with credit card rewards.
By following this checklist, you can better prepare yourself to maximize travel rewards while maintaining responsible financial habits.
Choosing the Right Credit Card
If you’re looking to earn points and miles specifically for travel, then it’s worth it to get a travel credit card. What that means is that the card’s benefits are targeted around the things you’ll use for travel, like Global Entry, TSA Precheck and/or Clear discounts, and lounge access. Each one offers its own unique way in which you can earn the rewards. Some travel credit cards offer points or miles for every dollar you spend on purchases, while others offer points or miles for specific types of purchases, such as travel or dining.
Once you feel comfortable in understanding how credit cards work, then you may want to open multiple cards that provide different benefits you plan to take advantage of. Having multiple cards gives you more flexibility. Of course, you should be responsible with your strategy and use, including paying off balances monthly. Travel hacking includes spending credit only on purchases you would normally pay cash with. You should only open multiple cards if you are going to maximize their benefits and offset their annual fees.
The Fine Print
Ugh. This is the boring part, but it is important to understand the terms and conditions of the programs you participate in before you even sign up. For credit card rewards, you’ll want to check the program’s blackout dates, expiration dates, and other restrictions. Know what you are sign-up for so that you can manage your expectations.
Is the Annual Fee Worth It?
Many of the top travel rewards credit cards come with annual fees. But cardholders who maximize the perks and rewards structures on these cards will almost always come out net-positive by the end of the year. For example, if you have the Capitol One Venture X card with a $395 annual fee, you’re getting airport lounge access, annual credits, a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit, a $300 travel credit every renewal year, and more. The key is that you need to regularly use the benefits offered on the cards to offset the cost of the fee.
Easiest Ways to Earn Points
Here’s a list of the top travel hacking ways to earn credit card rewards points.
Remember to use your credit cards responsibly and pay off your balances in full each month to avoid interest charges. Additionally, make sure to read the terms and conditions of any promotional offers or loyalty programs to maximize your earnings.
Credit card companies often offer generous sign-up bonuses for new cardholders. These bonuses can provide a substantial number of points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the specified timeframe.
Use travel rewards credit cards for everyday purchases. Look for cards that offer bonus points in categories like dining, groceries, or travel-related expenses. By using these cards for regular spending, you can accumulate points quickly.
Many loyalty programs and credit card issuers have online shopping portals that allow you to earn bonus points when you shop through their links. This is an easy way to earn extra points on your online purchases.
Use your travel rewards credit card to book flights, hotels, and rental cars. Most travel rewards cards offer bonus points for travel-related expenses.
Some airlines and credit card companies have dining programs that reward you with extra points when you dine at participating restaurants. Simply link your credit card to the program and use it to pay at eligible restaurants.
Some credit cards offer referral bonuses when you refer friends or family members who are approved for the same card. Check if your cards have this feature.
Join hotel and airline loyalty programs and provide your membership number every time you book a stay or flight. Accumulate points through your loyalty program’s partners and promotions.
Keep an eye out for travel promotions, such as double or triple points for specific bookings, seasonal bonuses, or targeted offers from credit card issuers.
Depending on your spending habits and travel goals, it might make sense to use multiple travel rewards cards. Different cards may offer better rewards for specific types of spending.
If possible, pay recurring bills and rent with your credit card. Some services allow you to pay with a credit card, helping you accumulate points on expenses you have to pay anyway.
Utilize shopping portals and cashback websites that allow you to earn additional rewards when you shop online. These rewards can often be converted into travel points or used to offset travel expenses. [ad link]
Keep an eye on promotions offered by airlines, hotels, and credit card companies. These can include bonus point offers, discounted award redemptions, or special earning opportunities.
How to earn points if you're NOT a frequent flyer
Earning travel rewards points as an infrequent traveler is still possible. The following are travel miles resources and strategies you can use to accumulate points over time.
Choose the Right Credit Card: Select a travel rewards credit card that aligns with your spending habits and offers rewards on everyday purchases. Look for cards with no annual fees or lower annual fees to maximize your earnings.
Use Credit Cards for Everyday Spending: Use your travel rewards credit card for all your everyday expenses, such as groceries, dining, gas, and bills. This will help you accumulate points gradually.
Sign-Up Bonuses: Take advantage of sign-up bonuses offered by travel rewards credit cards. Even if you don’t travel often, these bonuses can provide a significant boost to your points balance after meeting the minimum spending requirement.
Online Shopping Portals: Utilize airline or credit card shopping portals to earn bonus points when shopping online. These portals often have partnerships with various retailers.
Dining Programs: Link your credit card to dining programs offered by airlines or credit card issuers. This way, you can earn extra points when dining at participating restaurants.
Refer-a-Friend Programs: Some travel rewards credit cards offer referral bonuses when you refer friends or family members who are approved for the same card. This can be an easy way to earn additional points.
Hotel Stays: Even if you don’t travel frequently, consider staying at hotels within the same loyalty program to accumulate points. Over time, these points can add up, and you may eventually earn a free night.
Flexible Redemption Options: Look for travel rewards programs that offer flexible redemption options. Some programs allow you to use points for various travel expenses, such as flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.
Use Points for Other Expenses: If you’re not planning a trip soon, consider using your points for other expenses like gift cards, statement credits, or merchandise. Some programs offer these options, allowing you to get value from your points.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for limited-time promotions, bonus point offers, or special events that can help you earn extra points or miles.
Pooling Points: Some loyalty programs allow you to pool or share points with family members or friends. This can help you reach redemption thresholds more quickly.
Remember that the key to success as an infrequent traveler is patience. It may take longer to accumulate a significant number of points, but with careful planning and strategic card usage, you can still enjoy the benefits of travel rewards even if you don’t travel often.
Best Ways to Use Your Travel Rewards
Here’s a quick list with some travel hacking strategies for using points and miles to travel:
Once you have the credit card you will use for travel, you will want to start earning points and miles by using your card for the things you already do and for everyday purchases.
Then once you have earned enough points or miles, you can start redeeming them for travel. You can use points or miles to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can also use points or miles to upgrade your travel experience, such as by booking a first-class seat or getting a free hotel room upgrade.
Plan trips in advance
This will allow you to find the best deals on flights, hotels, and other travel-related expenses.
Be flexible with travel dates
Flexibility allows you to more likely to find good deals on flights and hotels. This sometimes works for last-minute travel.
Join airline & hotel loyalty programs
Once you earn enough, these points or miles can be redeemed for free travel, upgrades, and other perks.
Use travel credit cards
Travel credit cards target the best perks frequent travelers want. So the points or miles you earn can be directly spent to book travel, upgrades, and other perks.
Note blackout & expiration dates
It is important to read the fine print before you sign up for any program.
Use your points & miles wisely
It takes intention to earn points and miles, so use them wisely. Redeem them for travel that you would not be able to afford without them. Also, try and redeem them for travel that you will enjoy.
Best Ways to Get Upgraded
Please note that while these travel hacking strategies can increase your chances of receiving upgrades, they are not guarantees, as upgrades are subject to availability and individual hotel or airline policies.
For Air Travel:
Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
Join Loyalty Programs | Accumulate miles or points through airline loyalty programs. |
Travel During Off-Peak Times | Fly during less crowded times, such as weekdays or outside peak travel seasons. |
Use Miles or Points | Redeem accumulated miles or points for higher-class tickets. |
Check for Upgrade Offers | Look for discounted upgrade offers during booking or check-in. |
Arrive Early | Arriving early at the airport may give you a better chance if upgrades are available. |
Book Directly with the Airline | Booking directly with the airline versus a third-party site may improve your upgrade chances because they note the type of tickets differently. |
For Hotel Stays:
Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
Join Hotel Loyalty Programs | Sign up for hotel loyalty programs to accumulate points and receive potential room upgrades. |
Leverage Elite Status | Elite members often receive complimentary room upgrades. Maintain elite status for this benefit. |
Book Directly with the Hotel | Booking directly with the hotel may enhance your chances of receiving an upgrade. |
Arrive Late in the Day | Late arrivals allow hotels to assess room availability better and offer upgrades if available. |
Be Polite and Ask | A polite request at the front desk can sometimes lead to a complimentary room upgrade. |
Special Occasions | Inform the hotel about special occasions like anniversaries or honeymoons for potential upgrades. |
Use Points or Vouchers | Redeem loyalty program points or vouchers for higher-category rooms. |
How to Be a Loyalty Programs Super Star
Here’s a quick list on how to win at the loyalty programs for airlines and hotels
.
Be Loyal.
Whenever possible, and when you have a choice, pick a hotel and airline brand and stay with them as much as you can. This helps you accumulate points faster for redeeming travel as well as a loyalty status.
Book Direct.
You may find the deals on a third-party website but they offer less flexibility. Sometimes you can take that deal rate directly to the airline and hotel and ask if they will match it.
Choose the right brand.
There are tons of brands out there so take some time to find the one that suits your lifestyle and travel needs. For example, if you live in Washington D.C., you may want to fly in the United Airlines ecosystem as it is a hub.
Use the Right Credit Card.
Have a good understanding of when and where to use the right card to maximize the benefits. AMEX has really great travel benefits at the airports, but your hotel-branded card may serve you best while at your hotel and your bank card may offer a special perk at your destination.
FAQ
What are points and miles?
Points and miles are a form of loyalty currency offered by airlines, hotels, and credit card companies. They can be collected and used to book flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.
How do I start earning points and miles?
You can earn points and miles by signing up for loyalty programs with airlines and hotels, using travel rewards credit cards, and taking advantage of promotions and bonus offers.
Which loyalty programs should I join?
Research and join loyalty programs that align with your travel preferences and goals. Consider factors like network coverage, partners, and redemption options.
How can I earn points and miles quickly?
Maximizing your rewards involves strategies like using travel rewards credit cards, taking advantage of bonus categories, and utilizing shopping portals and dining programs. Follow this guide for more insight on creating a strategy.
What are travel rewards credit cards, and how do they work?
Travel rewards credit cards offer points or miles for every purchase. You can redeem these points for travel expenses, and many cards offer sign-up bonuses that can kickstart your points balance.
How do I redeem points and miles for free travel?
You can redeem your points and miles through loyalty program websites or travel portals, either for specific bookings or by transferring them to partner airlines or hotels.
Are there any fees associated with booking award travel?
Depending on the loyalty program and booking method, you may encounter fees such as booking fees, change fees, or fuel surcharges. These fees are typically very low (in comparison to full fare rates.)
What is a "mileage run"?
A mileage run involves booking a cheap flight or series of flights primarily to earn miles or points, often to achieve elite status within a loyalty program.
How can I increase my chances of getting upgrades?
Building loyalty with an airline or hotel, using elite status, booking premium cabins, and leveraging upgrade certificates are ways to increase your chances of getting upgrades.
What is elite status, and how can I achieve it?
Elite status is a higher tier within a loyalty program that offers perks like complimentary upgrades, priority boarding, and lounge access. Achieve it by meeting qualifying criteria such as flying a certain number of miles or nights.
What are the best websites and resources for finding award availability and deals?
Websites like ExpertFlyer and frequent flyer forums like FlyerTalk can help you find award availability and travel deals.
How do I avoid pitfalls and mistakes when using points and miles?
Avoid common mistakes like not checking blackout dates, letting points expire, or overspending to earn rewards. Stay organized and read the fine print.
Can I use points and miles for non-travel expenses, like gift cards or cash back?
Some HERE with this guide. We walk you through all the you need to know to get started.
Are there any tax implications for using points and miles?
Generally, using points and miles for travel doesn’t have tax implications, but if you earn them through a business, there may be tax considerations.
How do I keep track of my points and miles balances and expiration dates?
Use spreadsheets, apps, or online tools like AwardWallet to track your balances and expiration dates.
Is it possible to combine points and miles from different programs?
Some loyalty programs allow you to transfer points or miles between accounts, but it’s generally not recommended unless necessary, as it can result in losing value.
How can I protect my personal and financial information while pursuing points and miles strategies?
Be cautious when sharing personal information and use secure connections when dealing with loyalty programs and credit cards. Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
What's the best strategy for beginners in the world of points and miles?
Start with a travel rewards credit card that aligns with your travel goals, focus on earning points through everyday spending, and learn about loyalty programs gradually.
Can I book award travel for someone else, like a family member or friend?
Yes, in most cases, you can use your points and miles to book travel for others, but make sure to review the program’s rules and policies.
Are points and miles worth the effort and potential fees involved?
The value of points and miles can vary, but with careful planning, you can often receive significant value, making them well worth the effort for many travelers.
Conclusion
Although the world of miles and points can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Start by choosing a travel credit card that matches your needs. Then, learn how to maximize earning travel rewards by managing travel points to your best advantage.
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