Imagine flying to your dream destination without spending a big chunk of your savings. Sounds exciting, right? That’s exactly what booking flights with points can do for you. Whether you earn points through a credit card, an airline loyalty program, or hotel partners, they can open the door to free or almost-free travel.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to book flights with points, even if you’re a complete beginner. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right rewards program to avoiding hidden fees. Plus, you’ll pick up insider tips to stretch your points for the biggest value.
Ready to turn your everyday spending into amazing adventures? Let’s dive in and unlock the smart way to travel!
What are Points and Miles
When you hear people talk about flying for free, they’re often using something called points or miles. But what are they exactly?
Points and miles are rewards you earn from loyalty programs. You usually get them when you fly with an airline, stay at certain hotels, or spend money using a travel rewards credit card. Think of them like digital money that you can trade for flight tickets, hotel stays, or even upgrades to business class.
- Airline miles usually come from flying with a specific airline or its partners. For example, if you fly with Qatar Airways often, you’ll collect Qmiles through their loyalty program.
- Credit card points are earned by using travel credit cards for everyday spending, like groceries, gas, or shopping online. Later, you can transfer credit card points to airlines to book flights.
The biggest difference?
- Miles are often locked to a single airline or its partners.
- Points are more flexible and can sometimes be moved between airlines and hotels.
Building a nice stash of points and miles is the first step to booking flights without paying full price.
Choosing the Right Points Program
Before you start booking flights with points, you need to pick the right rewards program. Not all points are created equal, and choosing wisely can make a huge difference in how far your points take you.
There are two main types of programs you should know:
- Credit Card Rewards Programs: These are flexible. You earn points by using your card for everyday spending. Later, you can transfer points to airlines or book flights directly. Popular options include Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Points.
- Airline Loyalty Programs: These programs reward you when you fly with a specific airline. You earn miles instead of points, and you can use them mostly with that airline or its partners. Examples are Delta SkyMiles, American Airlines AAdvantage, and Emirates Skywards.
How to pick the best program for you?
Ask yourself:
- Which airlines fly most often from your city?
- Do you want more options (credit card points) or stick with one airline (miles)?
- Are you planning international travel or just domestic trips?
If you want maximum freedom, go for a credit card with transferable points. But if you love one airline and always fly with them, joining their loyalty program could bring extra perks like free baggage or upgrades.
(Need help deciding? Check out our full guide to the best travel rewards credit cards for beginners.)
Steps to Book Flights With Points
Booking a flight with points may sound tricky at first, but once you know the steps, it’s super easy. Here’s exactly how to do it:
1. Determine the Number of Points Needed
First, find out how many points you need for your trip.
Most airlines have something called an award chart. It shows how many miles or points you need based on the route, destination, and class of travel.
- Short domestic flights usually cost fewer points.
- Long international trips or first-class seats need a lot more.
Tip: Some airlines like Delta and United don’t have fixed charts anymore. Their prices change based on demand. Always check the airline’s website or use online tools like Point Calculator to get an idea.
2. Search for Award Availability
Now, check if there are seats available that you can book with points.
Award seats are limited. Airlines don’t offer them on every flight.
Here’s how to find them:
- Log in to your airline’s loyalty program website.
- Select the “Book with miles” or “Use points” option when searching flights.
- Use flexible date searches if possible. (You might find better deals a day before or after!)
Bonus Tip: Some tools like ExpertFlyer or Seats.aero help you find hidden award seats fast.
3. Transfer or Redeem Points
If you’re using a credit card rewards program, you may need to transfer points to the airline before booking.
- Always double-check the transfer ratio (some programs give 1:1 transfers, others don’t).
- Transfers are usually instant, but sometimes take a few hours or days.
If you already have airline miles, you can redeem them directly during the checkout process.
4. Complete the Booking
Once you find your flight and have enough points ready:
- Confirm the number of points needed.
- Pay any extra taxes or fees (points don’t always cover these).
- Double-check passenger details and complete the booking!
Congratulations, you just booked a flight using points!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking with Points
Booking flights with points can feel exciting, but there are a few common mistakes that can cost you big.
Here’s how to stay ahead and make your points work harder for you:
1. Waiting Too Long to Book
Award seats don’t last forever.
If you see a good deal, book it fast! Waiting even one day can mean losing the flight to someone else.
2. Ignoring Taxes and Fees
Points usually cover the flight ticket, but not always the extra costs like airport taxes, fuel surcharges, or booking fees.
Before confirming, always:
- Check how much you’ll still need to pay in cash.
- Compare whether using points really saves you money.
Some airlines (like British Airways) have high fees, even when booking with miles.
3. Not Checking Transfer Times
When transferring points from your credit card to an airline:
- Some transfers are instant.
- Others can take 1-5 days.
Mistake: Transferring points and finding out the seat is gone before they land in your airline account.
Solution: Always check award availability first, then transfer quickly.
4. Wasting Points on Poor Value Redemptions
Sometimes, airlines charge too many points for a short or cheap flight.
Before booking:
- Always calculate the value you’re getting.
- If your points are only saving you a few dollars, it’s better to save them for a bigger trip.
5. Forgetting About Airline Partners
Many loyalty programs let you book flights with partner airlines, sometimes at a better rate.
For example:
- You can use American Airlines miles to book flights on Qatar Airways.
- United miles work for flights on Lufthansa.
Always check partner options, they might give you more flights for fewer points.
Tips for First-Time Users Booking Flights with Points
If you’re new to using points, don’t worry, everyone starts somewhere!
Here are some smart tips to make your very first points booking smooth and stress-free:
1. Start with a Simple Trip
Instead of jumping into a complicated international journey with connections and layovers, start with:
- A short domestic flight
- A direct route with one airline
It’s easier to learn the process without too many moving parts.
2. Always Double-Check Award Rules
Before you book:
- Read the airline’s award travel rules.
- Check cancellation or change fees.
Some programs let you cancel for free within 24 hours, while others charge a hefty fee if you change anything.
3. Use Flexible Date Searches
Flexibility = more savings.
If your travel dates are open by a few days:
- You can find flights that need fewer points.
- Some airlines have calendars showing the cheapest points dates.
Example: Flying on a Wednesday instead of a Friday could save you thousands of miles!
4. Consider One-Way Bookings
You don’t always have to book round-trip tickets.
- One-way flights with points give you more flexibility.
- You can mix different airlines and loyalty programs.
Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets is even cheaper than a round-trip!
5. Sign Up for Alerts and Promotions
Many airlines and points programs send out:
- Flash sales
- Bonus transfer deals
- Limited-time award discounts
Action tip:
- Subscribe to your favorite airlines’ newsletters.
- Set up award space alerts using tools like Seats.aero or AwardWallet.
This way, you’ll always know when to grab the best deals fast.
Finally, Get Your Ticket to Free Travel
Booking flights with points isn’t just for frequent flyers or travel hackers, it’s for everyone, including you.
By understanding how points and miles work, picking the right program, and avoiding common mistakes, you can unlock amazing travel experiences without breaking the bank.
Remember:
- Start simple.
- Be flexible with your dates.
- Always aim to get the best value for your points.
The more you practice, the better you’ll get at spotting deals and stretching your points further.
And trust us, there’s nothing quite like boarding a plane knowing your ticket cost you close to nothing!
Ready to make your first points booking?
👉 Check out our beginner’s guide to travel hacking and start planning your next adventure today.
Your dream trip is only a few points away. ✈️
