From selecting the right program, to common rules on how an airline awards you points, we have summarized answers to FAQs regarding your flight miles. This easy to digest guide will be your helper on your first sign up.
What are airline miles and how do you earn them?
Airline miles are points that you can earn either through a credit card or loyalty program offered by an airline. You accumulate the points based on the amount you spend on your credit card or the amount you spend on airline travel.
Earning points through credit cards
There are a ton of credit cards out there geared towards earning rewards. You can gain airline miles for each dollar you spend on your credit card, and these points can be used for a wide range of rewards, including flights.
There are two main types of credit cards you can get. The first is a credit card that is co-branded with an airline company. While these cards have their perks, the main downside is that you can only use your points to book flights with that affiliated brand only.
The second option is getting a credit card that is not affiliated with only one airline carrier and allows you to transfer points. A great example of this is the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, which allows you to use your airline miles to book flights with British Airways, United Airlines, JetBlue, Aer Lingus, and many more.
Earning points through an airline loyalty program
Aside from earning airline miles through credit cards, you can also earn points directly with an airline loyalty program. If you frequently fly with an airline carrier that you love, this would be the best option for you.
You can simply visit the airlines website and join their loyalty program. Within the airline industry, there are three major alliances; Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld. As an example, if you’ve signed up for the American Airlines loyalty program, you can also earn miles with multiple other providers. This means you don’t have to sign up for multiple loyalty programs, as long as they are all within the same alliance.
What are the best ways to earn airline miles?
While there are multiple ways to earn airline miles, there are definitely ways to earn faster.
One of the best ways to earn miles is to be loyal to one airline company. Although there are perks to having a credit card that allows you to redeem points through numerous avenues, its no secret that loyalty is valued. If you are a frequent flyer and are loyal to one airline company, you may receive “elite” status, which can offer you free checked bags, free space available upgrades, and more miles on certain flights.
If you’re not a frequent flyer but are signed up with an airline loyalty program, many of these programs have dining rewards programs, or are affiliated with places like gas stations. This means you can link your debit or credit card to earn miles when you dine out, or pay for gas, and can earn points without going out of your way.
If you’re signed up with a credit card, whether it is co-branded with an airline or not, the best way to earn points is to use that credit card whenever you can, and of course as long as you pay it off. Your everyday required spending turns into valuable points that you can cash in for your next trip.
How do you book your flight?
This can vary depending on how you are collecting points. Keep in mind that booking flights through airline miles may be more restrictive in comparison to paying cash. Airlines limit the amount of seats on each flights dedicated for the loyalty program, and its best to book far ahead.
If you have a frequent flyer account, you can head to your account and log in. Once there, you can search for flights, and there are options to see what the cost of the flight is in airline miles instead of dollars.
If you’ve been collecting airline miles through a credit card, you may be required to transfer the points over to an airline carrier and redeem the points through them. Using the Chase Ultimate Rewards Program as an example, you can transfer your points to their airline partners, and then book directly through the airline. Don’t worry, you will receive a 1:1 ratio for your points, and you will not lose out on any points.
Wrap Up
You’re all set! This beginner’s guide has equipped you to start earning and spending your airline miles. There are many ways to earn points either through a credit card or airline loyalty program and the best way to earn points is always dependent on your personal preferences and lifestyle.
