Have you diligently accumulated a substantial trove of points through savvy travel hacking, only to find yourself uncertain about how to maximize their value?
Well, then you've come to the right place! This article will help you develop a well-defined strategy to ensure you make the most of your hard-earned rewards.
TIP 1: Plan Ahead
As with any time you're trying to get a good deal on something, it's best to start planning your trip well in advance. Availability for award seats or hotel rooms can be limited, especially during peak travel times.
When, you might ask, is peak travel time? Here are some general patterns to consider:
- Major Religious and National holidays -- Be sure to check the major holidays of the place you're visiting since it may be different from your own home country!
- Summer -- Summer is generally a nightmare to travel in, no matter where you go. Remember that there are two hemispheres on earth, though. So, it may be summer where you live, but not summer on the opposite side of the world, and vice versa for winter.
- Spring Break -- Spring break varies by region and educational institutions but often falls in March or April. Many students and families choose this time for vacations, leading to higher demand.
- Winter Sports -- Ski resorts and destinations with winter sports activities often experience peak travel during the winter months, especially around Christmas and New Year's.
- Special Events -- Peak travel times can also be influenced by special events, festivals, conventions, or major sporting events in a particular location. For example, a city hosting the Olympics or a major music festival will likely see increased travel during those times.
- Cruise Seasons -- Cruise destinations have their own peak seasons. For example, the Caribbean cruise season is at its height during the winter months when travelers seek warmer weather.
- Back-to-School -- Late August and early September can be busy as families wrap up their summer vacations and students head back to school.
Keep in mind that peak travel time will vary by location. So, be sure to do a google search for your destination FIRST to see when peak travel is for that particular place.
TIP 2: Use Award Charts
Many loyalty programs (airlines and hotels) offer award charts on their websites that show you the number of points or miles required for different destinations and classes of service. Consult these charts to find the best redemption options for your specific needs. If the airline you're looking for isn't listed here, just google "[Airline's name] awards chart" to find the applicable link.
American Airlines Awards Chart
For additional helpful information, check out this article for some great tips!
TIP 3: Use Transfer Partners
One of the most powerful tools at your disposal when redeeming travel miles and points is the ability to transfer them to partner airlines or hotels. This feature can significantly enhance both the flexibility and the value of your rewards, making it an essential strategy to consider in your journey towards optimal redemption.
How does this work?
Let's imagine you've been diligently accumulating points in your preferred rewards program, and you've set your sights on a dream vacation to Europe. Your goal is to make the most of your points and miles to ensure a memorable and cost-effective journey. Here's how you can conduct research and utilize transfer partners in this scenario:
- Identify Your Current Rewards Program:
- First, determine which rewards program(s) you've been accruing points or miles in. Let's say you've been collecting points in a major credit card rewards program, like American Express Membership Rewards.
- Explore the Partner Networks:
- Visit the official website of your rewards program and navigate to the section that outlines partner airlines and hotels. In the case of American Express Membership Rewards, they have an extensive list of partners, including airlines like Delta, British Airways, and Emirates, as well as hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton.
- Determine Your Destination and Preferences:
- Since you're planning a trip to Europe, consider your preferred destinations within the continent. Are you keen on visiting multiple cities or countries, or do you have a specific European city in mind, such as Paris or Rome? Your choice will influence which airlines and hotels you should focus on.
- Analyze Transfer Ratios and Redemption Options:
- Check the transfer ratios for your rewards program's partners. For example, American Express might have a 1:1 transfer ratio with Delta Airlines and a 1:2 transfer ratio with Marriott Bonvoy. Assess the value you'll get for your points when transferring to each partner.
- Search for Award Availability:
- Visit the websites of the partner airlines and hotels to check for award availability on your desired travel dates. Look for routes, flight classes, or hotel properties that align with your preferences. Pay attention to any blackout dates or restrictions.
- Compare Redemption Rates:
- Calculate the number of points required for your flights and accommodations when booking directly through your rewards program versus transferring points to a partner. Determine if transferring points offers a better value, such as securing business or first-class seats for fewer points.
- Factor in Fees and Additional Benefits:
- Consider any transfer fees that might apply when moving points to a partner program. Additionally, explore any extra perks or benefits, like complimentary upgrades or lounge access, that partner airlines or hotels may offer to rewards program members.
- Be Mindful of Promotions:
- Periodically, rewards programs may run promotions offering bonus points or favorable transfer rates to specific partners. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to maximize your rewards.
- Make an Informed Decision:
- Based on your research, make an informed decision on whether transferring points to specific partner programs aligns with your travel goals and provides better value than booking through your rewards program directly.
In this scenario, conducting thorough research will enable you to identify the best transfer partners, secure award availability, and make the most of your accumulated points for your dream trip to Europe.
TIP 4: Consider Using Cash & Points
Some programs offer the option to use a combination of points and cash to book travel. This can be a great way to stretch your points further while still enjoying the benefits of award travel.
For instance, Delta offers the option of using a combination of cash and miles when booking your flight. Just make sure that this really is a good deal and isn't eking out too many of your miles just to save a few dollars!
Check out this article for more specific information about Delta.
To find information on other airlines' policies on using a combination of miles and cash, conduct a Google search with this phrase "Using Miles and Cash on [Airline name]."
TIP 5: Book Off-Peak or Shoulder Seasons
If your travel dates are flexible, consider booking during off-peak or shoulder seasons when the demand for award travel is lower. This can often result in lower point requirements and more availability.
What is considered shoulder season or off-peak?
Shoulder Season = just before or just after a destination's peak tourist season. This varies by destination. For most of Europe, shoulder season is in spring (April to June) and fall (September to October).
Off-Peak Season = generally during the colder months in a place (if it's not a winter sports destination). So, for most of Europe, off-peak season would be November to April minus the busy Christmas and New Year's seasons.
To find out the shoulder season and off-peak season if your specific destination, consider googling such questions as:
- What is the shoulder season for [destination name]?
- What is the off-peak season for [destination name]?
TIP 6: Upgrade Existing Bookings
If you have elite status or are a loyal customer with an airline or hotel, you may have the option to use your points or miles to upgrade your existing reservations to a higher class of service or a nicer room category.
My cousin rarely flies coach anymore. He just accumulates miles with his Delta Amex credit card and then uses those miles to upgrade his seats. How does he do it? He buys a main cabin fare, then he uses his points to upgrade to first class (and Delta One on international flights).
When you earn elite status on airlines, you're also eligible for free upgrades. Delta's medallion program will upgrade its members with elite status to comfort plus and first class on domestic flights, and comfort plus on international flights when room allows. I have enjoyed elite status on Delta for years now, and let me tell you, it's fabulous! Check out this practically Delta One seat I got upgraded to (I only purchased a main cabin seat!) on a flight to NYC in fall of 2022!
TIP 7: Look for Promotions
Keep an eye out for promotions and special deals offered by loyalty programs. They may offer discounted award rates or bonus miles for specific routes or dates.
I personally like watching for Delta Deals on their website. These are published regularly and you can search from your home airport. I fly Delta as often as I can--mainly because I'm an elite member and I live near a Delta hub. However, there are--of course--promotions from all of the other airlines as well. Just conduct a quick Google search to find the page for your preferred airline. Use terms such as "American Airline deals," "United Airlines deals," and so forth. When I search "Delta Deals" this is what I get.
TIP 8: Avoid Peak Travel Times
Try to avoid booking flights or accommodations during peak travel times like holidays and major events. Award availability is often limited during these periods, and the redemption rates may be higher.
This can't be stressed enough! I have absolutely ZERO interest in ever traveling during peak travel time. Canceled flights, long lines, and all that other nonsense that occurs at airports during this time is definitely not my idea of a vacation. Plus, you'll use up a TON of your points and miles by booking during this time period. And remember, miles really is the same thing as hard earned cash when it comes to traveling.
If possible, I highly recommend booking during times that no one else is thinking of traveling to get the best bang for your travel miles buck! For instance, one year, I left for a European Christmas trip the Monday morning after Thanksgiving Day weekend. It was PERFECT!! There were literally no lines at the security checkpoint. I walked right into a nearly empty lounge. And the airport felt as quiet as a peaceful mountain trail (well almost as much!). It would have been a completely opposite experience if I had left on my trip just 12 hours before on Sunday night of Thanksgiving Day weekend when everyone else was trying to rush back home.
TIP 9: Search Multiple Airlines and Alliances
When booking flights, be sure to search across multiple airlines and alliances to find the best redemption options.
There are three main airline alliances that have members that span the globe. Generally, your points on one airline will be usable on one a partner airline. For instance, let's say you have Delta Sky Miles. They could be used to redeem flights on KLM, Air France, and so forth. If KLM is having a sale and you can get a flight for a lot cheaper with miles than flying the exact same flight on Delta, then it makes sense to book through KLM.
To learn even more about Airline Alliances and how they work, check out this article.
TIP 10: Check for Hidden Fees
Before finalizing your booking, make sure to check for any additional fees or taxes associated with your award travel. These can vary depending on the airline or hotel and may impact the overall value of your redemption. If you are unsure if there are fees associated with what you've selected, just give the airline a call and doublecheck.
TIP 11: Flexibility with Airports
If you're flying to a major city with multiple airports, consider being flexible with your arrival and departure airports. You might find better award availability or lower redemption rates at an alternate airport.
You may even find better deals at a nearby airport in a neighboring city. Don't lock yourself into one mode of thinking when making your travel plans. By thinking outside the box and being creative, you could save yourself lots of $$ and points!
Just keep in mind that some smaller European airports that service budget airlines might be far away from the city and cost you more in time and money to fly into and out of than is worth it. Look into all of those details before you allow a cheap ticket price to lure you in.
TIP 12: Review Stopover and Open-Jaw Rules
In the world of travel rewards, there exist hidden gems that can elevate your journey from a single destination experience to a multi-stop adventure. These gems are the "free stopovers" and "open-jaw itineraries" offered by certain rewards programs. To make the most of your travel miles and points, it's crucial to comprehend the rules and possibilities of your loyalty program in relation to these features. Here's why and how you should review stopover and open-jaw rules:
The Power of Free Stopovers:
- A stopover is essentially a prolonged layover in a city or destination en route to your final stop. Some rewards programs permit you to include a stopover without any additional cost on your itinerary. This presents a fantastic opportunity to explore an additional location, often for several days or even weeks, at no extra expense in terms of points or miles.
- Imagine booking a flight from New York to Paris with a free stopover in London. Not only do you get to experience the enchanting ambiance of Paris, but you also have the chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture of London, all while using the same set of points or miles for your redemption.
Crafting Open-Jaw Adventures:
- An open-jaw itinerary is a more complex but equally valuable option. It allows you to fly into one city and depart from another, effectively creating a non-linear travel path. For instance, you could fly from Los Angeles to Rome, explore Europe, and then depart from Barcelona back to Los Angeles. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous when you're planning multi-destination trips or backpacking adventures.
Maximizing Mileage Value:
- Leveraging free stopovers and open-jaw itineraries is not just about exploring more places; it's also a strategic way to maximize the value of your miles or points. By visiting multiple destinations on a single redemption, you essentially get more "bang for your buck" in terms of the travel experiences you can enjoy.
How to Utilize Stopovers and Open-Jaws
TIP 13: Monitor Point Expiration Dates
Be mindful of the expiration dates for your points or miles. Some programs require activity within a certain timeframe to prevent your rewards from expiring. Use or transfer your points before they expire.
I've personally lost miles on two different airlines awards programs. Obviously, that isn't something that a travel hacker wants to admit or is proud of. However, because of this error, I learned some important lessons the hard way so you don't have to. Follow this advice to avoid having the same thing happen to you:
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Make Sure You have Regular Account Activity: Many rewards programs require some form of account activity to keep your points from expiring. This can be as simple as earning or redeeming a small number of points or miles. Make it a habit to engage with your rewards program periodically to reset the expiration clock.
I helped my aunt with this once. She was about to lose her American Airlines points, so she let me book a flight in my name for later that year. Just before the flight, I cancelled the flight and like magic all of her miles returned to her account. This gave her a little bit of time and so she was able to use them for a flight for herself at a later date. - Redeem Points Wisely: While saving points for a big trip or a significant redemption is a common goal, it's essential to strike a balance. Consider using your points strategically for smaller redemptions, such as gift cards or merchandise, if it helps maintain account activity and prevents point expiration.
- Transfer or Pool Points: Some rewards programs allow you to transfer or pool points with family members or friends. This can be an effective way to consolidate points and collectively prevent expiration. Just ensure that the recipients' accounts remain active as well.
- Set Reminders: Use digital tools like calendar reminders or task lists to keep track of point expiration dates. Setting up automated alerts can help you stay on top of when your points are due to expire and take timely action to prevent it.
- Transfer or Convert Points: If you find yourself with a surplus of points that are nearing their expiration date and you don't have immediate travel plans, consider transferring or converting them to a different loyalty program with more favorable expiration policies. This can help you retain the value of your rewards.
TIP 14: Leverage Credit Card Benefits
If you have a travel rewards credit card, check if it offers additional perks such as lounge access, free checked bags, or travel insurance. These benefits can enhance your overall travel experience.
I personally have the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card specifically for the extra travel benefits that it provides. I may pay a substantial annual fee, but I get $300 back in travel credits every year and I also get lounge access through Priority Pass. There are a bunch of other benefits, but those are my favorite. The lounge access isn't super helpful in the US as there aren't too many of this brand of lounge in US airports. However, I use my Priority Pass every time I travel internationally. It's lovely to be able to relax in the lounge with free food, beverages, a comfy place to sit, and free WIFI.
TIP 15: Review Cancelation and Change Policies
Understand the cancelation and change policies of your redemption bookings. Some programs offer flexibility, while others may have strict policies. Knowing your options can save you headaches and fees if your plans change.
Wrap Up
By following these strategies and thoroughly researching your loyalty program's redemption options, you can make the most of your travel points and miles and enjoy memorable journeys without breaking the bank.