9 of the cheapest airline awards — fly from 400 miles each way
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
There are many myths in the world of award travel, especially for beginners. "It takes so many frequent flyer miles just to be able to fly anywhere." "You need like a trillion miles to book a route people actually want to take." "Normal people just can't rack up that many miles without doing crazy things."
False, all false.
If you are a long-term TPG reader, you already know those are all false statements, but I've bet you've at least heard those sentiments from others. Whether you have trouble finding those super-affordable airline awards, or you just want a list to hand to your skeptical friend or partner, here are nine of the cheapest airline awards out there.
American Airlines transcon for 5,000 miles
Thanks to American Airlines economy web specials, some great prices pop up on a variety of routes. We have a rundown of at least 40 low-priced AA awards here, but one current example available for just 5,000 AAdvantage miles takes you from a variety of NYC airports all the way to Seattle for just 5,000 miles each direction — no special credit cards or elite status level required.
To try and find these low-priced American Airlines awards, click on the Economy Web Special box if it displays in your route search to see the very affordable awards.
Related: How to earn American Airlines miles
Fly British Airways economy from 4,000 Avios
British Airways offers award flights in some regions (not the U.S.) from just 4,000 Avios each way for flights of up to 650 flown miles. Within Europe, they even cap the taxes/fees on these awards to just $27.50.
This means you can fly nonstop from London to Milan for just 4,000 Avios and $27.50, each direction. Assuming you can find award availability, you can do the same on nonstop flights to any of the destinations that British Airways operates within Europe that ring in at or below 650 flown miles or less from that same award price on off-peak dates.
Here are more ways to use 5,000 or fewer Avios and how to earn more Avios for future travels.
Lie-flat seat from 7,750 points
This one is a little silly but fun. British Airways operates some routes within the Caribbean that can make for an extremely awesome way to island hop without stepping foot on a small puddle-jumper. From 7,750 Avios + $40 in taxes/fees you can book a lie-flat business class seat to fly the 90 minutes from Nassau in the Bahamas to Grand Cayman. If you wanted to do that flight in economy instead, it starts at the same 4,000 Avios + $27.50 as the above example.
We're betting the 777 operating that route isn't yet retrofitted with the new business class suites, but fingers crossed for one day!
If you make the trip here's a look at a points-friendly hotel we are fans of using Hyatt points to stay at Baha Mar in the Bahamas and either Marriott points at the Westin Grand Cayman or IHG points to stay at the Kimpton Seafire on Grand Cayman.
Fly international from 2,500 Spirit miles
You can fly up to 1,249 miles on Spirit Airlines from just 2,500 miles and around $13 in taxes and fees each way if you have the co-branded Spirit Airlines credit card. The deal is sometimes even better than that, as recently flights were starting at just 1,250 miles each way for cardholders and 5,000 miles each way for non-cardholders.
Spirit doesn't restrict these low-priced award flights to domestic jaunts — you can head international, too. For example, routes such as Ft. Lauderdale to Cancun or Montego Bay that are 1,249 miles or less can be had for just 2,500 miles plus taxes and fees on off-peak dates for those with the Spirit credit card, otherwise flights normally start at 10,000 miles each way if you don't have the credit card.
Here are some tips if you do fly Spirit, including why budgeting money to upgrade to the Big Front Seat is a wise move.
Delta flash sales from 4,500 miles
Delta SkyMiles have some frequent and fantastic flash sales from just 4,500 miles each way. Just this week, we saw flights from New York to Tampa or Los Angeles to New Orleans from just 9,000 Delta SkyMiles round-trip.
Even outside of flash sales, you can sometimes find everyday low-priced awards since Delta uses a variably-priced award chart. For example, today I see Houston to LaGuardia economy round-trips available for 9,000 total SkyMiles. Granted, these awards follow Basic Economy rules, but that's a pretty affordable way to fly. Flying on Delta's nice, new A220 is a fun cherry on top, too.
Here are the best Delta credit card offers to bulk up your SkyMiles balance -- some have bonuses right now as high as 75,000 bonus miles after you meet the spending requirements.
Fly to Europe starting at 10,000 miles
Want to head to Europe and think crossing the Atlantic is going to cost a ton of miles? Still no. Virgin Atlantic charges just 10,000 miles for one-way, economy award flights from the Northeast during standard (non-peak) travel dates. While the carrier is known for some egregious fuel surcharges, these aren't terrible for economy awards — and booking Delta-operated flights could shave even more off the out-of-pocket costs.
This could be especially valuable if you want to beat the jet-lag and take a daytime flight from Boston (BOS) or New York-JFK — which TPG Editor Nick Ewen crowned as his new favorite way to cross the Atlantic.
Aside from this award option, you can also fly to Europe from just 13,000 Avios points each way plus less than $100 in taxes and fees on an airline such as British Airways, Aer Lingus or Iberia. Yes, that'll be in economy and yes that only gets you as far the East Coast to somewhere like Ireland on London, but we've already established that hopping around Europe can be very affordable on miles.
Plus, when there are transfer bonuses to British Airways from Amex Membership Rewards or similar, the deal gets even sweeter. Here are some tips for surviving long-haul flights.
JetBlue flash sales from 400 points
Like Delta, JetBlue is known for some periodic flash sales that drop the price of flights on both dollars or points. While the flight times are usually very specific on JetBlue flash sales, we see the per-direction price of travel drop down to just 400 points or so a few times per year. The deal is actually better than that if you have the JetBlue credit card that gives you 10% of redeemed points back. Here's a look at all the best airline credit cards out there.
Bookmark the JetBlue flash sale page and/or follow @TPG_Alerts to get notified when deals like this pop-up.
Hawaii island-hopping for 2,000 points
Southwest Airlines started up service between the Hawaiian Islands earlier this year and made it more affordable than ever to hop from island to island. Prices drop during the airline's periodic sales, but even today at quick glance I see Honolulu - Maui available for just over 2,000 Rapid Rewards points each way, which is about the same price we paid over the summer to fly from Kona to Lihue.
If you have the Southwest Companion Pass, two can fly for that same points price.
Related: The best Southwest Airlines credit cards
Book your own for 1,900 points
Just about every week, we run across a great airfare sale. Frontier Airlines in particular loves to run a good $19 fare sale. If you have a fixed-value credit card in your wallet, you can BYO redemption by jumping on a great airfare sale and using the points from your credit card to offset the charge.
For example, the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card lets you redeem miles at 1 cent each against travel charges you put on the card. That means a $19 cheap flight could set you back just 1,900 miles on that card.
Bottom line
You don't have to have millions, or hundreds of thousands, or even tens of thousands of miles to take a virtually free flight. Award redemptions actually start under 1,000 miles and can regularly be had for just a few thousand miles across a number of programs.
If you haven't gotten serious about miles and points before, but are ready now, hop on over to our Beginner's Guide to start the journey to your next (or first) award flight.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.