How To Sensibly Use Your Travel Reward Miles

Travel reward miles have incredibly changed the flying experience.

The most frequent and even the non frequent flyers find it easier to earn miles. Most of these methods don’t charge anything and it’s easier to collect a pool of miles without being part of a lot of hassles!

Using them is a whole new challenge. A lot of frequent flyers struggle with using the miles they earn because of the many difficulties they’re faced with. Typically, expiry dates and restriction in miles redemptions can hamper you from getting benefit in the best manner.

Here are some helpful tips to put your travel reward miles to great uses!

1. Use Conventional Ways

Searching for the ideal routes over the internet can take a lifetime and still might not show the best results. Sometimes, you will have to resort to conventional ways to get the benefit.

Self serving is the latest travel trend but is not always the best ones. From time and time, choose the old fashioned methods if you’re looking forward to redeeming your air miles. A call to the airline rewards desk will show you a real picture of what to expect. Since they’re experts, you’ll get the best advices when it comes to the ideal routes and alternate dates.

It’s best to be aware that many airlines charge for this service. If you wish to smartly escape these unwanted costs, simply get hold of the details and then do it through the hassle-free self-service.

2. Travel Reward Miles For Upgrades

One of the most sensible ways of putting your miles to good use upgrades to the business class. While many of us wish to enjoy the perks of flying through the premium classes of the airlines, the sky-high airfares are a huge turn off.

Luckily, you can put your air miles to good use by upgrading to the business class. Trying to use your miles to book flights can often take longer than what you thought. A number of airlines are generally generous when it comes to frequent flyers upgrading to the premier classes. Few of the finest examples of such airlines are AirFrance and KLM.

Partner airlines and alliances can also be used when it comes to choosing the best route for upgrading to the business class.

3. Excess Bags

Don’t we all struggle with packing and baggage checks? Airlines have become increasingly strict and complicated when it comes to excess baggage. Don’t expect any sympathy from their end.
Instead, why not use your air miles to pay for the excess baggage? This is still a new concept that isn’t very popular among passengers. Flying Blue currently offers this service on its reward program. Who knows how others might take the lead too?

4. Become the Early Bird

If you really don’t wish to waste your travel miles, being the early bird is an absolute must. If you have the chance to book early, never make the mistake of delaying it.

Booking early and being flexible with your plans ensures you have the best opportunities. If you manage to book at least six months prior to the departure, your travel reward miles stay secure. Airlines have a habit of releasing the best seats in bunches, so trying from time to time always helps. Of course, the day you’re flying makes an incredible amount of different as well!

5. Reward Maps

Many travelers are these days obsessed with maximizing the miles. Gladly, airlines have integrated the reward maps in their websites. These maps are interactive and convenient to use for the passengers. By entering your details, you’ll get to know about all the opportunities available.

6. Alternate Airports

Although most of us picture a luxurious travel experience, sometimes it is all about stepping out of your comfort zones. For many, there’s no ambiguity over which airport to travel from.

If you wish to get benefit from your air miles, choosing alternate airports can turn out to be a great option. This creates new possibilities for travelers. Yes, that would mean going through certain hassles and taking more time in getting around. But if that gets you closer to reward seats, why not?

7. Seek Expert Help

It’s always a good idea to look on your own, to begin with. But never restrict yourself to it. Professional travel agents do a wonderful job when it comes to finding the best routes and travel opportunities. Many times, they’ll show you what you never came to cross.

Although this is done against a fee, it’s always best to explore further options!

8. Get to Know Your Reward Program Better

Every rewards program is unique in its own manner. While the policies differ as well, it is best to choose the program that offers the best for you.

The same is true when it comes to redemption. For best results, explore your program in depth and find creative ways through which you can create new opportunities.