Do you know what’s not amusing? Thinking about all the miles you should’ve earned. Every frequent traveler wants to brag about the crazy things they did with the points they had accumulated from their frequent flyer points programs.
Unfortunately, some casual travelers make mistakes and receive fewer benefits for their points or miles. We get it; the world of points and miles can be confusing for novices. Not to worry; in this blog, you’ll learn how to avoid major mistakes and become the best player in the game.
Doing the Math Wrong
If you want to get much better value for your money, consider reserving business-class seats using your frequent flyer points. The premium class provides comfort and real value for your money compared to the economy flight package.
Regular flyers compare costs in cash and miles. For instance, a return trip in business class with frequent flyer programs such as the Ana Mileage Club goes for $6,000 or 90,000 miles, while flying in economy class is worth $1,000 cash or 5,500 miles.
If you do the calculations, a classic award saves you 0.7 cents per mile, while the latter gives you 0.0 cents in value from each mile redeemed.
From this illustration, it would make sense that rather than spending all your miles on an economy ticket, it would be better if you booked it with cash. Even though a business class ticket requires more money, it gives you the actual worth of your money if you use your miles.
Enrolling in Many Programs under Different Airlines
Most people don’t know that most airlines operate under the three major global airline alliances, save for the few that run as partnerships. The big problem is that some flyers enroll in frequent flyer programs with different airlines.
Again, you don’t have to apply for so many packages offering classic awards under the same airline. Here is the thing, as long as you’re registered for the frequent flyer points program with one airline belonging to a particular alliance, you’re safe.
Switching from one airline to another with the hope of getting a good deal in mile redemption is not always the answer. On the other hand, sticking with one airline enables you to create a pool of points with an established account, meaning higher chances of flying a classic with your hard-earned points.
Using Points on Gift Vouchers and Cheap Household Items
This is another mistake that most individuals make with their flying reward tickets. Well, spending all your points on gift hampers and household products isn’t wrong, but it may not be the best thing.
Why? Buying things using your flight discount earnings equals low value for your money. That expensive kid bike you purchased using your points could get a puncture, and sooner or later, it may be thrown in the trash. If you are wise enough, you should have redeemed your miles and taken a classic vacation to an exciting destination.
Not Redeeming Points
Letting your points expire is wasting your money. Of course, not everyone is a frequent flyer, but if you’re one and not using your miles, it’s high time you started burning them!
To prevent your precious rewards from expiring, you can transfer them to a family member or friend or donate them if your program allows it. Don’t miss out on flying business or first-class this time because you let all your miles go to waste.
To Wrap It Up!
If you can avoid the mistakes mentioned above, you’ll be able to squeeze possible value out of your miles and points. Those who love to travel treasure the rewards currencies as cash in a bank account. Therefore, guard your collection of miles and points and get to see the world through the wonder of flight!
