With airfares on the rise, travel can feel like an out of reach luxury. But just because you’re doing it wrong. Enter purchased miles. These are the game-changer you never knew you needed but soon won’t be able to fly without. In this blog post, we dive into creative ways for using your miles.
Everything You Love About Travel. Just Cheaper
Miles can change everything about how you travel. One of the most common uses is fore upgrading your flight. But here’s the think - it’s actually about so much more than the flight. You can use your miles to upgrade to first or business class and to take advantage of different perks like lie-flat seats (talk about luxury), gourmet meals as well as special, in-flight entertainment.
Then there are the luxury hotels. Many travel reward programs give you the option to exchange your points for a stay at an envy-worthy hotel in a destination you might only dream of visiting. We’re talking about Hawaii, the Maldives or Bora Bora. Keep in mind that booking multiple nights in a row might unlock other benefits.
See the World Without Burning a Hole in Your Pocket
Miles can be a great way to make international travel affordable. American Airlines AAdvantage miles makes this easier and is a good place to start if you’re new to this. They also offer an easy to use award chat to make it easier to see the point requirements to different locations. And don’t forget about the Oneworld alliance, which gives you access to a wide network with many travel options.
When it comes to international travel, there’s the small print. It’s a good idea to plan how you’re going to use your miles so you get the most value. It’s important to remember that the value of miles is the highest when you use them for clear and immediate travel plans. Also be sure to check whether your credit card gives you access to other travel perks like airport lounge access.
Not all Airlines Are the Same
Different airlines have different upgrade options. So before you use your points it’s always a good idea to do your homework first. AAdvantage miles can be a great option for upgrading your American Airlines flight. Be sure to consider the cost-benefit of upgrading from non-basic economy to business class. Then there’s Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer miles which also offer different upgrade options. Another good option is Emirates. It’s important to consider any out-of-pocket expenses before you upgrade.
The Fine Print Stuff No One Talks About
To upgrade. Or not to upgrade. It's actually not as simple as you might think. First off - do you know what it will cost you to upgrade in miles? We see people who do this calculation only to realize it's going to cost them more to upgrade. It's not worth it in that case. It's also a good idea to look into flight availability. Remember - upgrades aren’t guaranteed. You might upgrade, only to find there aren't any seats in the business class. That would suck. It’s also very important to check that your ticket is eligible for an upgrade. Not all tickets are. Some airlines even have limits on upgrades.
But What if You Don't Want to Upgrade?
Now might not be the time to upgrade. And that's okay. No pressure. The good news is that you have options. And no - we don't mean you should just keep on accumulating miles. Another option is to sell your miles for cash. Some people are skeptical of this and it can seem complicated or drown out. But that's where we come in. We're here to help you sell your miles an offer a simple and reliable process.
Ready to get started? Turn your unused miles into cash.
