There’s a widespread but outdated belief among many travelers that the optimal way to accumulate frequent flier miles is by being a regular flyer. The truth is that it can take ages to rack up significant miles this way unless your employer is frequently booking you business class at the last moment. For average travelers who don’t pay for upfront seating, the most effective way to earn complimentary airline tickets is by modifying your spending to utilize the appropriate credit cards.
I mention “cards” because the ideal approach is to hold at least two: one for the airline you use the most and another that allows point transfers to multiple airlines. This strategy will yield 80% of the advantages without requiring extensive involvement in the process. However, if you do enjoy engaging in the process and securing free flights consistently, you can accumulate more points with additional card sign-up bonuses, by using the right cards at the optimal times, and being strategic about where your regular monthly bills appear.
The guidelines are always evolving and minor changes can happen in the system, but I have been earning complimentary airline tickets for over two decades. In many respects, it’s easier to obtain free flights now than it was when I first began. Though some redemption amounts may be higher and less predictable, this is countered by the existence of more cards offering generous bonuses and an unprecedented number of ways to earn points through your spending.
On this Cheapest Destinations Blog, I have consistently urged anyone who would listen to invest some time into this strategy because it has repeatedly benefitted me over the past 20 years. After all, these points serve as currency, holding real monetary value in your personal finances. And they are considerably easier to track than digital currency coins.
Here’s a list of the places I’ve traveled for free or nearly so (you typically still owe something for airport taxes) just in the last three years:
To Argentina and back from the USA for both my wife and me
To Thailand and back for my wife (my airfare was covered, so I used my points to book her ticket).
From Mexico to Tampa and back, as well as from Tampa to Virginia and back.
From Florida to the Netherlands.
From Mexico to Palm Springs, CA.
From Miami back to Mexico.
Next month, I’ll be flying from Los Cabos to Tampa for only 20K miles — in Business Class, baby! We’re currently accumulating miles to fly business class back from Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur next autumn. Additionally, I’m sure we’ll embark on some short trips here and there on points.
Numerous books have been written on the topic of travel hacking, and there are at least 100 blogs dedicated exclusively to this subject, along with various Facebook groups and online forums discussing the practice. If you spend significant time with these insiders, it eventually starts to feel like an advanced science course, complete with unique terminology, obscure acronyms, and exclusive insights.
For years, I’ve maintained a well-received post on this blog that helps newbies begin with a travel hacking 101 approach for earning free trips. By merely following that guide, you’ll outpace 95% of people without treating the accumulation of miles and points like a second job.
Every year, various magazines and blogs analyze the data to determine which loyalty program is “the best,” but in reality, your experience may differ. If you reside in Atlanta, you’re likely going to fly most often with Delta, even if United’s program may seem more appealing. If you live in Dallas, chances are you’ll often be flying American, and from Toronto, it’s likely Air Canada. For business travelers who are on the road twice weekly, “the best” program will differ markedly from someone who lives in a robust Southwest market and only flies a couple of times a year.
Your specific circumstances will also affect which credit card is best suited for accumulating miles and which will provide the quickest rewards. Your location is significant, but your intended use of those miles plays a crucial role too. For instance, if you plan to travel to the southern tip of South America, it’s advisable not to accumulate American miles. It’s more advantageous to align with Delta’s or United’s alliances for partner options. Conversely, for the Caribbean, AA may be the more viable option.
For Asia, your optimal choice would be to have a Chase Sapphire or Amex card that allows you to transfer to various Asian airlines. Engage in a bit of research and contemplate your dream journey before accepting that next sign-up bonus and shifting your bill payments to that card.
Here are the essential strategies to remember for securing the equivalent of a complimentary flight or two within your mileage account for when you’re ready to embark on a trip, whether near or far.
Set Your Target for the Number of Points Required for Free Airline Tickets
Most airlines previously published some type of mileage chart