Think through how your credit cards work. Credit cards are not all created equal! Some offer miles that can be used on only one partnership system (Such as "One World" or "Star Alliance") while others build points for seat purchase on any flight. Some cards give you 1.5 points for every dollar spent at certain oil or food companies. Some merchants have a direct alliance with one airline and if upon purchase of a product or service from those merchants, you show your airline loyalty card, you get points. Then if you pay for the product with a credit card that also gives you points...you have a double bonus. Think this through BEFORE you shop. If building up a mountain of points for free travel is a priority, a little purchase planning can make a real difference. Stay within one points "family" and you can fund your vacation travel!Get informed on airlines loyalty programs. Loyalty programs are not created equal either! If many of your points come from flying, pick your airlines carefully based on their point getting and spending systems. Check the Internet for information to help you shop for the right flight shop. Look at your flight patterns and pick the mega group that can best meet your needs. Most airlines are part of one of these mega groups. Once you have the group (such as "Star Alliance" or "One World"), then pick your core airline whose card you will use. The big deal here is to get to certain status points with that airline so when you hit the status threshold, you get privileges such as business class check-in, lounge access, priority in booking "free" seats, priority luggage service and even special lines through customs/immigration. At times, only points on that airline will build your status although you may be able to use the bonus across the mega group.Purchase prepaid flight miles cards. With prepaid flight miles cards, you purchase a given number of miles in advance and the airline debits a certain number of miles for each flight. In some cases, the actual miles flown for an economy seat, 180% of the miles flown for Business Class, and 240% for First Class. You can purchase upfront enough points to attain elite status and almost instantly, enjoy the privileges that go with it, including free upgrades. Again, different airlines vary in their offers so compare which would be of value to you given your flight patterns. By the way, even if you don't have this card andyoulack a few points for a flight, you can always buyjust the miles you need.
Calculate the cash value of your miles.It is always good to know the actual value ofthemiles you use to redeema flight. You do this by dividing the cost of the ticket with the total number of miles used. The result is the cash value of eachmile you used. For example, a trip from your residence to your destination regularly costs $200 if you book in advance. To use your miles, you will need 25,000. Divide $200 by 25,000. This will give you .008. That is the value of each of your miles. However, if you miss the advance purchase window of the airline you are using and you really need to do the trip, this is when your miles can save you a small fortune. Say, booking on short notice, the ticket goes up from $200 to $800. You still use the same 25000 miles. Divide $800 by 25000. This will give you $.032 per air mile....
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Author: Mary Norton