Use an award search tool like Point.me or Roame.travel: This can save you hours hunting for the best award deal, whether you’re planning to fly the family in coach or book yourself a lie-flat seat.
Check for transfer bonuses: Sometimes airlines (or hotels) will give you bonus points when you transfer your credit card points to a loyalty program. Think turning 50,000 points into 70,000 — that sort of thing. TPG keeps tabs on the latest bonuses out there.
But if you are using a U.S. airline: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers some great “sweet spot” redemptions aboard its partners like American Airlines and other Oneworld alliance carriers. Think 4,500 miles for a short domestic flight or 22,500 for a transatlantic trip. But if you have Amex points, you may want to act soon.
Be open to alternative airports: I’m flying to London on points next month because that’s where the cheapest redemption took me. But I’m actually headed to Italy and Greece. Once I’m in Europe, I’ll get there via a cheap short-haul flight.
What about hotels? While transfers to airlines (especially for premium cabins!) offer the best per-cent “value” for your points, sometimes you need them to cover that otherwise-expensive hotel stay. One of the best options is World of Hyatt, which offers 1:1 transfers from both Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards. Think the Hyatt Regency Maui for just 21,000 Hyatt points per night versus a $700 cash rate.
Ultimately, don’t be afraid to use your points: The whole point is to go places you otherwise couldn’t afford to travel. The best redemption is the one that gets you to your dream destination.
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