9 Mistakes people make with airline miles
We like to accumulate miles and point on a constant basis. I know some people just open card by card to receive bonus, and as a result — yes, they do pile a lot of miles,points, rewards. But…when it comes to redeeming — it may be a challenge and a problem. So, lets talk about mistakes people make with their airline miles and how to avoid them
Originally published at www.milesfortrips.com on January 21, 2015.
1.Letting miles expire
Probably the most common mistake. If you accumulate a lot of miles — you should redeem them. If you don’t travel — they will simply be vanished from your account account to rules and regulations of loyalty programs and their frequent flyer programs. That is why every single blog about miles/points/rewards will call “BE STRATEGIC”.
You may also check Airlines miles expiration rules and charts
But, if you see you have no chance to spend them in time — use shopping portals, get some gift cards.
2.Using wrong credit card
On a contrary to point 1
Do not use cash back rewards cards, if you like to travel. Use travel rewards credit cards — accumulate miles and points ,which you can redeem for travel (flights, car rentals , hotels). But be smart and strategic.
3.Redeeming miles for products instead of award flights
I remember my situation in life : i was new to miles and points — about 5 years ago. I had about 27000 miles on Delta. I was closing their credit card and … I decided… to buy 2 fishing rod (!) ☺
Yes, i got them — amazing quality ,still have them as a symbol of my mistake. Why? Because 1. Delta miles never expire and 2. For 27000 I could book roundtrip domestic flight.
Value of award flight is way higher than spending miles and points on products.
How to maximize your miles and points via SHOPPING
4.Not linking and signing up to dining reward programs
Very single big frequent flyer program has its own dining reward program. First , just for signing up you will receive extra bonus of at least 500 miles and points , and afterwards of at least 3 miles/point for $1 spend.
How to maximize points and miles via DINING
5.Not reading EARN miles section in full
All big frequent flyer programs have numerous way to pile miles.You can be surprised with different variants.
How to maximize miles and point via SPECIAL PROMOTIONS
6.Spending miles on upgrades
Not all first-class seats are the same.Do the research first, if you want to fly with exceptional comfort. Some airlines have almost beds while others just have more comfortable reclined seats.
photo credit alexcheban.livejournal.com
7.Not using best credit card for sign-up bonus.
Of course, you can go directly to airline website and sign-up. But I would recommend you google a little bit. Some forums or blogs may have better options of bonus award.
8.Not being flexible with dates and not planning ahead
If you plan to reduce you flight price or vacation cost — plan at least 6 months ahead.For you to have some time to receive reward bonus and after to have some time to book : availability of reward seats “flies of the shelves of booking site” very fast. So earlier you book — better for you.
9.Not signing up your wife/husband for FFP
Try to accumulate miles and points evenly with your wife — it will be definitely cheaper and easier to book your vacation with 2 accounts filled with rewards. (It may be weird to buy award flight at the same time)
Bottom line
The whole idea of mile/points game is to make our lives a little bit more interesting, at least to reduce the cost of our vacation or trip.If you learn and keep in mind these advises and be strategic with your choices and decisions — you will be rewarded in full.And will take the most of your bonuses!
Originally published at www.milesfortrips.com on January 21, 2015.
