10 ways to save with frequent flier programs
Watch for promotions.
Some airlines offer frequent flier members the ability to get extra miles, points or credits if they rent a car with a partner company, fly to certain locations or buy a Netflix membership. For travel between now and May 14, United has lowered the miles required for travel to Europe from 55,000 to 40,000, spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said. Look for deals on airline Web sites and sign up with the airlines for e-mail alerts about promotions.
Double dip.
Some hotel reward programs allow you to earn some of your rewards as airline miles with partner carriers or to transfer existing reward points to a partner airline reward program.
Watch expiration dates.
Frequent flier miles, points or credits do not last forever on some carriers. With some airline programs, miles or credits can expire after a year or two. But having the partner credit card can help. At AirTran, for instance, flight credits are generally valid for 12 months after the date on which they were posted to the member’s account. But for holders of the AirTran branded Visa credit card and for Elite members, flight credits are valid for 24 months after the posting date.
Avoid unnecessary fees.
Book your reward ticket online. Calling a customer service agent may cost you — AirTran charges a $15 direct booking fee. Try to fly the airline on which you are redeeming reward miles. Using your frequent flier miles within three weeks of travel may cost you a fee — $75 at Continental Airlines for basic OnePass members if you book the reward ticket less than 21 days from the day you travel.
Pack light.
You’ll still pay those checked bag fees even if you are traveling on a reward ticket. So, try to limit yourself to one carryon bag and one personal item per person. If you have to check a bag and you are traveling with another person, merge your belongings into one bag and split the fee. But be careful not to pack the bag too heavy. There are fees for overweight bags. The fees vary by carrier — some airlines charge coach passengers on domestic flights $15 for a first checked bag and $25 for a second checked bag. Delta charges $90 on a domestic flight for a bag checked that weighs between 51 pounds and 70 pounds.
Lastly, free does not mean completely free.
The reward redemption generally covers the base fare of the ticket. Some airlines will charge you for certain taxes or fees. At American and other carriers, you will still pay the $2.50 per boarding security service fee that all travelers at U.S. airports have had to pay since the fee was instituted after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. At American, international award tickets are subject to, and the passenger is responsible for, applicable departure taxes and/or federal inspection fees.
