Flying for free with credit card points.
Flying free to my vacation destination is always a goal when I’m planning travel.
I use credit card points to fly for free.
Join the frequent flyer programs of all airlines you fly. And, learn the partner airlines.
For example, Delta partners with Virgin Atlantic. I can use Delta points for Virgin Atlantic and vice versa. Google partner airlines of your favorite airlines to be informed.
Questions:
- Which airlines fly out of your home airport?
- Do I want to fly the same airline, or have flexibility?
- How many sign-up bonus points are being offered to sign-up for the credit card? (at least 50,000)
- How many miles/points do I need for a roundtrip ticket to a destination?
- How much do I have to spend before points awarded?
Maximize your point value by booking early. I try for 330 days in advance. Most point bookings can be cancelled for free. (Check your airline’s policy.)
My favorite credit card to use for flexibility is Chase with Ultimate Rewards which can be transferred to several airlines or hotels.
Alaska airlines usually has a 50,000-bonus sign-up and a $125 companion ticket each year.
http://Googleflights.com is a good source to find airlines and flight destinations. Go to the airline website to discover the number of points needed to fly.
Be flexible on the day of the week you fly to maximize your points, by flying the day and time of day using the fewest points.
I’ve booked European vacations, Tahiti, Fiji, Canadian as well as many U.S. destinations with points.
It’s worth your time! Free flights, mean more travel!