Tip: Always Add Your Frequent Flyer Number — Even on Award Tickets
Using your hard-earned points or miles for free flights (especially in premium classes) is a great way to make the most of your redemptions. However, occasionally an airline coding mistake could make this proposition even more lucrative, resulting in an award flight actually earning you miles. Even if you've redeemed miles for your ticket, always be sure to add your desired frequent flyer number on the off-chance that the flight credits as a paid fare class.
The first time I encountered this was back in 2013 when a friend received more than 12,000 SkyMiles after an Air France award ticket (booked through Delta) credited as a full-fare business class ticket. The comments section on that post turned into a spirited debate on whether my friend should notify Delta (he didn't), whether the miles would remain (they did) and whether airlines' fleecing of customers justified keeping them (jury's still out). I hadn't thought much of this until a very similar experience happened to me last year.
After redeeming miles through one Star Alliance program for a flight on a different carrier, I noticed that my family's last name was spelled wrong. A quick call was all it took to reissue the ticket, but this somehow changed our booking class from I (business class award) to Z (paid business class ticket). Intrigued, I added our United MileagePlus numbers to the reservation during check-in, and lo and behold, the flights posted just as a paid ticket would:
We can debate the moral implications of this type of mistake six ways to Sunday, but the bottom line is that it never hurts to add your frequent flyer number to an award reservation. Worst case scenario is that nothing happens. Best case scenario? You'll take home an unexpected windfall of miles to help you reach your next free trip.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app