How to Use Airline Miles

Signing up for frequent-flier programs is easy. However, just as exploring the boundaries and features of a new trail requires advance research before you set off on a hike, using your miles in the most beneficial way requires doing your homework. You must investigate your "spending" options and plan in advance to make the most of your well-earned mileage points. Become as savvy a frequent flier as you are outdoor adventurer to keep racking up the rewards toward even more outdoor recreation options.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Research the options for redeeming your miles, noting blackout dates (times when you cannot use your miles), frequent-flier specialty promotions and upgrade options as well as free tickets. Be familiar with the terms of your frequent-flier clubs and keep track of your points to make sure they've been totaled accurately.

Step 2

Plan ahead and make bookings early. The earlier you make a frequent-flier reservation, the more likely you are to be able to redeem your miles when you want. Book free tickets anywhere from three to 12 months in advance to get seats for the lowest redemption rate possible. Airlines reserve a limited number of frequent-flier spaces per flight.

Step 3

Choose which flights you spend your free tickets on carefully. Research the flight costs for several trips at once. A low-cost flight next month might be worth purchasing outright while you save up your miles for a more expensive international flight or higher-priced ticket to another destination later in the year.

Step 4

Donate your miles to support organizations such as Operation Hero Miles, which helps provide emergency leave transport for U.S. soldiers stationed overseas. If you have extra miles that will expire soon or an amount that won't add up to your next flight, passing those miles off to someone else is a very effective way to earn a tax write-off.

Step 5

Redeem your miles for other gifts or rewards besides flights. Use your miles on hotel stays at chains such as Marriott or Hilton, which participate in frequent-flier programs. Airlines also frequently offer promotions for magazine subscriptions, gifts and gift cards as options for spending your points.

Tips & Warnings

Keep accurate records of your accumulated points and travel receipts to double-check after a trip that the airline credits newly earned miles to your account. If your trip is flexible, letting the airline set your dates for you far in advance can be another way to negotiate the best deal on redeeming your points.

Keep accurate records of your accumulated points and travel receipts to double-check after a trip that the airline credits newly earned miles to your account.

If your trip is flexible, letting the airline set your dates for you far in advance can be another way to negotiate the best deal on redeeming your points.

Mileage points don't last forever, so make sure you know when yours expire and use them up before they disappear.

Resources

Operation Hero Miles

Article Written By Contributing Writer

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