Traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but the cost of flights can often be a barrier. Fortunately, travel rewards programs offer a fantastic way to save money on airfare. By strategically earning and redeeming points or miles, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses—or even fly for free. In this article, we’ll explore how to use travel rewards to save money on flights, with practical tips and examples to help you get started.
1. Choose the Right Travel Rewards Credit Card
The first step to maximizing travel rewards is selecting the right credit card. Many airlines and banks offer co-branded credit cards that allow you to earn points or miles for every dollar you spend. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular choice because it offers 2x points on travel and dining, and points can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners. Similarly, the American Express Gold Card offers 4x points on dining and groceries, making it ideal for foodies.
When choosing a card, consider your spending habits and travel goals. If you frequently fly with a specific airline, a co-branded card like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card might be a better fit. These cards often come with perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and bonus miles for signing up.
2. Earn Points Through Everyday Spending
Once you have a travel rewards credit card, the next step is to maximize your earnings. Use your card for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and utilities to accumulate points quickly. Many cards offer bonus categories, so be sure to take advantage of them. For instance, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers 2x miles on every purchase, making it easy to earn rewards on all your spending.
You can also stack rewards by shopping through airline or credit card portals. For example, United Airlines’ MileagePlus Shopping portal allows you to earn additional miles when you shop at popular retailers like Amazon and Target. Similarly, the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal offers extra points for online purchases.
3. Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses
Sign-up bonuses are one of the fastest ways to earn a large number of points or miles. Many travel rewards credit cards offer bonuses worth hundreds of dollars in travel after you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months. For example, the Citi Premier® Card currently offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. These points can be redeemed for $600 in airfare or transferred to airline partners like Turkish Airlines or Singapore Airlines.
To maximize sign-up bonuses, plan your applications around large expenses, such as home repairs or holiday shopping. Just be sure to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, which can negate the value of your rewards.
4. Use Points Strategically for Maximum Value
Not all redemptions are created equal. To get the most out of your points, aim for high-value redemptions like international business or first-class flights. For example, 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles can get you a one-way business class ticket to Europe, which could cost over $3,000 if paid in cash. Similarly, 85,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to British Airways Avios for a round-trip flight to London during off-peak seasons.
If you prefer economy flights, look for sweet spots in airline award charts. For instance, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers one-way flights to Hawaii for just 15,000 miles, while Southwest Rapid Rewards often has flights starting at 5,000 points.
5. Combine Points with Cash for Flexibility
Some travel rewards programs allow you to use a combination of points and cash to book flights. This can be a great option if you don’t have enough points for a full redemption. For example, United Airlines’ “Excursionist Perk” lets you add a free one-way flight within a region when you book a round-trip award ticket. Similarly, the Capital One Venture Card allows you to use miles to cover part of your flight cost, with the option to pay the rest in cash.
This flexibility can be especially useful for last-minute travel, when award availability is limited. By combining points and cash, you can still save money without waiting to accumulate enough points for a full redemption.
6. Monitor Promotions and Transfer Bonuses
Travel rewards programs frequently run promotions that can help you stretch your points further. For example, airlines like Delta and American Airlines often offer discounted award flights or bonus miles for booking during specific periods. Similarly, credit card programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards occasionally offer transfer bonuses, where you get extra points when you transfer to certain airline partners.
To stay informed, sign up for newsletters from your favorite airlines and credit card issuers. You can also follow travel blogs and forums like The Points Guy or FlyerTalk for the latest deals and tips.
7. Plan Ahead and Be Flexible
One of the keys to maximizing travel rewards is flexibility. Award availability is often limited, especially for popular routes and peak travel times. By being flexible with your travel dates and destinations, you can take advantage of lower point requirements and avoid blackout dates.
For example, flying midweek or during off-peak seasons can save you thousands of points. Additionally, consider alternative airports. If you’re flying to New York, you might find better award availability at Newark (EWR) than at JFK or LaGuardia.
Final words
Using travel rewards to save money on flights requires a bit of strategy, but the savings can be substantial. By choosing the right credit card, earning points through everyday spending, and redeeming them strategically, you can unlock incredible travel opportunities. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious international getaway or a quick domestic trip, travel rewards can help you get there for less. Start planning today, and soon you’ll be jetting off to your next destination without breaking the bank.
By following these tips and staying informed about promotions and deals, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a travel rewards expert. Happy travels!
Note: Always review the terms and conditions of your credit card and rewards program to ensure you understand how to earn and redeem points effectively.
