| | 1. When you’re booking a last-minute domestic flight.Typically domestic airfares are cheap enough that it doesn’t make sense to redeem 25,000 (or more) miles for a round trip flight, but if you need to book a flight a day or two (or even just a few hours) before you travel, redeeming those miles can save you a ton on last-minute airfare. Airlines also tend to open up more award seats at the last minute, especially if a flight has many left to sell, even though lots of open seats often doesn’t mean you’ll find a cheap cash fare.
2. When you’re booking international business or first classMany travelers save their miles for aspirational redemptions, like a first-class flight to the Maldives on Singapore or Cathay Pacific, or a business-class trip to Europe on Aer Lingus or Swiss. Many people don’t realize that you can actually redeem miles from a U.S. airline’s program to fly on an international partner where you’ll find better seats, food and service.
3. When the airline doesn’t add fuel surchargesSome airlines, most notably British Airways, add enormous fuel surcharges to award tickets. So in addition to the tens of thousands of miles you’ll redeem for an economy flight, you’ll have to pay hundreds of dollars in additional fees. Sometimes you’ll pay nearly as much in surcharges as you would on an entire paid ticket! Use your miles for airlines that don’t add huge surcharges, and if you do have to pay, aim for a first-class redemption, where at least you’re getting a superior experience.
4. When you’re not sure you’ll actually be able to flyOne of the greatest advantages of redeeming miles for a flight is that you can often change or cancel the trip entirely for a relatively low fee. Elite frequent flyers can sometimes even do it for free. And if you cancel your award, you’ll usually get your miles back. If you cancel a nonrefundable paid flight, however, you’re probably out of luck. |
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