They say you can't get something for nothing, but it's hard work earning frequent flyer miles, so when you save enough to qualify for a reward, make it worth your while. Saving for a trip to Hawaii? Once you save up the amount you need, are all the flights blacked out? Is it taking too long to save up for a free flight? What else can you do with them? Read on to find out how to make the most of your miles.
Some things to watch out for while banking those valuable miles:
- Expiration Dates-some airlines are putting time limits on how long you can keep your miles, so check your statement and cash them in before they're gone.
- Blackout Dates-plan ahead if you're cashing miles in for a flight, sometimes you need to book reward travel a year ahead.
- Reward Levels-remember that transatlantic flights require more miles than trips within the country; also to avoid blackout dates more miles are required to get an unrestricted reward flight.
There seems to be a lot of obstacles to using your miles. If you're thinking of giving up--Don't! There are other ways to make use of those rewards and tips to get you to where you want to go.
Free flights are not the only use of those coveted miles, consider some other options to reward yourself:
- Pay for a Coach seat, but upgrade to First Class with miles.
- Make a long layover more comfortable by cashing in miles for access to the lounge.
- Want something more tangible? Trade in miles for gift cards for just about anything. Check out Points.com to see what your miles can get you.
- Many airlines let you donate your miles to someone else-just make sure they have a frequent flyer account with the same airline.
- Make a charitable donation.
- Save for college-Upromise allows you to make deposits into your account using your miles.
To maximize the amount of miles you earn, know which airlines are partners, and deposit your miles into fewer accounts. For example, you can earn miles on United when you fly USAir, by using your United Frequent Flyer account number. Also, take advantage of the other services that award miles, like hotels, car rental companies, and restaurants. Also several airlines offer credit cards that earn points for dollars spent.
You earned them, so make them work for you!
