There are also a number of cards that offer sign-up bonuses. These offer a large number of miles in exchange for meeting a minimum spending requirement, such as 50,000 miles for spending $3,000 in the first three months.
Not every airline, by the way, uses the term “miles.” Most do, but Southwest is an outlier. It utilizes the term “points” in its frequent flyer program. Although it may appear confusing, the two names are interchangeable in this context. The same rules apply whether you’re earning miles or points.
Redeeming credit card airline points
If you apply for an airline credit card, you will be able to enter your frequent flyer number with that airline if you have one. All the miles you earn will be credited to your account. If you do not already have an account in that program, one will be created for you if you are approved for the card.
Here’s how to use your miles to book a flight:
1. Navigate to the airline’s website.
2. Access your frequent flyer account.
3. Enter your preferred travel dates and location.
4. Choose the option to pay with miles. On most airlines’ booking forms, you can check a box for this.
5. Search for flights and choose the one you want.
Flight prices will be displayed in miles. The airline will deduct the required miles from your account during the checkout process. Remember that there may be taxes and fees on your award ticket, in which case it won’t be 100% free.
Although buying flights is the most common way to use miles, it is by no means your only choice. You may also be able to use your miles to upgrade previously purchased tickets, book other types of travel, or even buy merchandise through the airline’s shopping portal.
On an airline’s website, you can learn about its frequent flyer program and redemption options. Keep in mind that not all redemption options are good uses of your miles. Some provide much more value than others.
Flight bookings, particularly for business and first-class travel, tend to offer the most value for money. On the other side, it’s usually waste to buy stuff using miles. Credit card airline miles may appear complicated at first, but they are actually quite simple to use.
If you get an airline credit card, you’ll earn miles that you can redeem through its frequent flyer program. This option isn’t for everyone; if you’re not dedicated to a specific airline, all-purpose travel rewards credit cards are a better option. Yet, for frequent flyers, an airline card is a terrific way to collect miles and save money on trips.