How To Book An Award Flight
Planning an award flight might sound tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a fantastic way to save money and maximize your travel rewards. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting out, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
What Is an Award Flight?
An award flight is a flight ticket you book using airline miles or points instead of cash. These points are usually earned through frequent flyer programs, credit card rewards, or special promotions. Depending on the program, you may still have to pay a small fee for taxes and surcharges, but the bulk of the cost can be covered by your points.
Why Book an Award Flight?
Award flights allow you to:
- Save money: Fly for a fraction of the cost by using your accumulated points.
- Fly in luxury: Redeem points for premium cabins like business or first class.
- Unlock travel opportunities: Stretch your points to visit more destinations.
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Step-by-Step Guide: How To Book an Award Flight
1. Sign Up for a Frequent Flyer Program
Before you can book an award flight, you’ll need to join an airline’s loyalty program. Some popular programs include:
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t fly often, sign up. It’s free, and the miles you earn never expire with some programs.
2. Earn Points or Miles
There are several ways to earn airline miles:
- Credit Cards: Use travel rewards credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred to earn Chase Ultimate Reward Points. These can then be transferred to airline partners and become airline miles.
- Flying: Rack up miles by flying with airlines or their partners.
- Shopping & Dining: Many programs offer extra miles when you shop or dine through their portals.
3. Find Award Availability
Not every flight can be booked with points. Just because a flight shows up as bookable with cash, does not mean that it is available as an award flight. Use the airline’s website or a partner site to search for award availability. Look for terms like "Award Flight” or “Use Miles”.
Look for options like "use miles" or "redeem flights" to search for award flights
Tips for Finding Availability:
- Be flexible: Adjust your travel dates or origin and departure cities to find more options.
- Check partner airlines: Some partner airline programs have better award flight search engines than others.
4. Compare Redemption Values
Not all award bookings are created equal! To get the most value, calculate the cents per mile: Cents Per Mile=(Ticket Price in Cash– Taxes and Fees)÷Miles Required
Aim for a value of at least 1.5 cents per mile for a good redemption.
5. Book Your Flight
Once you find the perfect flight, it’s time to book. Follow these steps:
- Log in to your frequent flyer account.
- Search for your desired flight.
- Select the award flight option and proceed with the booking.
Make sure you have enough miles in your account. If not, check if you can transfer points from a credit card or purchase additional miles (though this is usually less cost-effective).
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Advanced Tips for Booking Award Flights
Use Award Flight Search Engines
Websites like Seats.Aero or PointsYeah.com can help you find award availability across multiple airlines.
Consider Stopovers and Open Jaws
Some programs allow free stopovers or open-jaw bookings, letting you explore more destinations for the same number of miles.
Avoid High Surcharges
Be aware of programs like Emirates Skywards or British Airways Executive Club that charge high fees on award tickets. Research in advance to save money.
FAQs About Award Travel
Can I book an award flight for someone else?
Yes! Most airlines allow you to book award flights for friends or family members, as long as you have enough miles in your account.
How far in advance should I book an award flight?
For the best availability, book as early as possible. You should ideally be looking 9-12 months in advance or for last-minute award seats close to departure.
What are the best credit cards for earning travel points?
Popular options include:
Do I still earn miles on an award flight?
No you won't earn redeemable miles on an award flight. However, some programs like Delta SkyMiles let you earn status miles on award tickets.
What happens if I need to cancel my award flight?
Cancellation policies vary by airline. Some programs like American Advantage AAdvantage allow free changes, while others may charge a fee.
Final Thoughts
Booking an award flight takes a lot of research and planning, but the rewards are well worth it. From saving money to flying in luxury, learning how to maximize your miles can completely transform the way you travel.