This week's Reader Question of the Week comes from Avery from DC! Thank you for asking your question, and I hope this helps!
When is the best time to buy airplane tickets? And what is the best search engine to use? Thank you!
The best time to buy airplane tickets is in advance. The further out it is, the better the price you are most likely going to get, and the better seat on the plane you are going to get. However, sometimes fares change and go down, so you need to be aware of that. Check out farecast.com (now BING travel). This site shows whether your plane ticket is likely to go up or down, and whether you should buy it now or wait. It is pretty cool, and gives a fairly accurate description if you should buy now or wait for prices to decrease. As for days, airlines usually have premium pricing on the weekends, so I always wait until midweek (Tuesday - Thursday) to purchase my tickets. Make sure your dates are flexible too, as changing the dates you fly can be helpful in finding good fares too.
In terms of the best search engine, the most popular is probably orbitz.com and expedia.com. Kayak.com is a good site since it accumulates all the ticketing sites out there in one place. Priceline.com is good since you can name your own price, but the downside is you do not know which airline you will be flying. Some airlines you can only book through their own website, such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, so you should check each of the carriers own website as well.
I hope this helps, Avery, and please be sure to check in next week for our Reader QOTW! Thanks!
February 28, 2011
February 23, 2011
"Like" American Airlines on Facebook and Earn Mystery Miles (100 mile minimum)
American Airlines is running a promotion using social media! Simply "Like" American's facebook page, follow the instructions, and gain anywhere from 100 air miles to 100,000 miles. How cool would that be to get 100,000 miles just for liking them?? While that isn't likely, gaining AT MINIMUM 100 miles is pretty sweet. For the promotion, please CLICK HERE. Check back here, in the comments section, and let me know how many miles you win! Good luck!
February 22, 2011
Gain Miles For Great Dining Promotions
Want to bolster your mileage account to help pay for that free flight you want? Dining programs are free and easy ways to earn miles. All you have to do is register for your airline's dining program, sign up your credit card, and take a survey after you eat at the participating restaurant. Depending on the restaurant, you can earn 3-5 miles per each $1 spent. Dine 12 times in a year and earn VIP status where you get at least 5 miles per every $1 spent. (TIP: Buy like 12 sodas from one of the vendors, have them ring it up separately, and you've got VIP status). To get you started on this program, right now, there are 5 great promotions going on to help you earn miles as you dine! Below is a link to each promotion:
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn 1,000 bonus miles by completing three qualifying dines, totaling at least $20 each, by March 16. Registration is required.
- American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn double miles for up to five dines through March 31 by registering for the promotion and filling out a review within 30 days of visiting the restaurant.
- United Airlines Mileage Plus members can earn double miles for all dines through February 28 by registering for the promotion and filling out a review within 30 days of visiting the restaurant.
- US Airways Dividend Miles members can create profile for a 1,000 mile bonus by March 31. Register for the bonus, create a profile and gain 1,000 miles into your account.
- InterContinental Priority Club Rewards members can earn 1,000 bonus points for every $100 spent on qualifying dines through March 31, up to a maximum of 5,000 bonus points after spending $500. Registration is required.
February 17, 2011
Earn 750 UA Miles Just For Signing Up With Mypoints.com
Have a United Airlines mileage plus account? Get 750 miles for joining mypoints.com. Just fill out your information and give your mileage plus number and have the points credited to your account. No reason not to sign up! You don't have to pay for anything, and it is free miles. Click HERE for the promotion!
February 16, 2011
Redeem Miles For Cash
Do you have frequent flyer miles you would like cashed in for some money? Take advantage of a special offer from points.com. Beginning this week, you can redeem some of your miles for cash, and that cash will be deposited right into your paypal account. American Airlines, US Airways, and Aeroplan all teamed up with paypal and points.com to give you cash for your miles.
On American, redeem 24,118 miles for $100. On Aeroplan, redeem 17,734 miles for $100. On US Airways, redeem 120,000 miles (not a typo) for $100. This begs the question, however, is it worth it? My answer is NO. My reasoning for it is this: a domestic roundtrip flight can cost as low as 25,000 miles. Since the average market price for a domestic ticket is $350, you might as well use those miles for a free flight. But, if you are hard up and in need of cash, this is a quick way to put $100 in your pocket.
This is a cool concept though, and just shows how airlines are starting to get creative for ways to redeem points. Now I pose this question to you: Do you think you will ever redeem miles for cash (assuming the price is better), or will you use them on travel related items!? Hit the comments section below for your answers.
On American, redeem 24,118 miles for $100. On Aeroplan, redeem 17,734 miles for $100. On US Airways, redeem 120,000 miles (not a typo) for $100. This begs the question, however, is it worth it? My answer is NO. My reasoning for it is this: a domestic roundtrip flight can cost as low as 25,000 miles. Since the average market price for a domestic ticket is $350, you might as well use those miles for a free flight. But, if you are hard up and in need of cash, this is a quick way to put $100 in your pocket.
This is a cool concept though, and just shows how airlines are starting to get creative for ways to redeem points. Now I pose this question to you: Do you think you will ever redeem miles for cash (assuming the price is better), or will you use them on travel related items!? Hit the comments section below for your answers.
February 11, 2011
Reader Question Of The Week: Are Airline Credit Cards Useful?
Every week, I will examine and answer one reader question of the week. This week's QOTW comes from TD from New Mexico. Thanks, TD!
"I have been thinking about getting a credit card but wasn't sure if I should get an airline one. So first, do you recommend an airline credit card? And second, if you do, which one do you think would be best? I normally fly Southwest because my family lives in NM and ABQ is a big Southwest hub, but I think I would want an airline that flies outside the US. In the next year or so I expect to travel a lot, especially to the Middle East. So which credit card would you recommend?"
Opening an airline credit card is one of the BEST ways to build your mileage account. Typically, you can earn anywhere from 30,000 - 40,000 miles by opening an airline credit card. Free flights domestically start around 25,000 miles, so opening a credit card is a great way to get a free flight. You don't have to use those miles to snag a free flight though...you could use them for upgrades (1 domestic upgrade = 15,000 miles), or just to starting building your account.
To answer the second part of your question, you must first determine which airline's mileage program you want to focus on before opening up their credit card. In an earlier post, I give a 5 step guide to determining the mileage program that is right for you. Once you select an airline, open a mileage account before opening a credit card, since you will need a mileage number when signing up for the credit card. In your case, since you want to travel to the Middle East, I would pick a US airline that has ties to Middle East carriers. I would suggest either American Airlines (has ties to Royal Jordanian and Malev - Turkey), or United Airlines (has ties to EgyptAir, Turkish, Qatar, and Emirates Airlines). Once you have selected your airline of choice, open a credit with that program, and make sure to get your bonus miles!
A final option in terms of airline credit cards is not an airline credit card itself - it is the Starwood Hotels Credit Card. You can transfer miles earned on this card to over 30 airline partners - most at a 1:1 ratio. And of course, you get 25,000 bonus miles for joining. This credit card gives you flexibility, and can use your miles across a lot of different airlines.
Once you have your airline credit card, make sure to charge purchases on it over your debit card! For one, it is more secure and will protect your identity, and two, you will typically earn 1 mile for every 1 dollar spent. After a while, that totals up! Especially use that airline credit card when booking a flight on your airline, as you can earn up to 5 miles per 1 dollar spent. Pretty good!
And the best part is - if you aren't happy with the credit card, you can close it and still keep the miles. There is no reason not to at least open an airline credit card! Thanks for your question, TD! Check back next week for our new Reader QOTW.
Opening an airline credit card is one of the BEST ways to build your mileage account. Typically, you can earn anywhere from 30,000 - 40,000 miles by opening an airline credit card. Free flights domestically start around 25,000 miles, so opening a credit card is a great way to get a free flight. You don't have to use those miles to snag a free flight though...you could use them for upgrades (1 domestic upgrade = 15,000 miles), or just to starting building your account.
To answer the second part of your question, you must first determine which airline's mileage program you want to focus on before opening up their credit card. In an earlier post, I give a 5 step guide to determining the mileage program that is right for you. Once you select an airline, open a mileage account before opening a credit card, since you will need a mileage number when signing up for the credit card. In your case, since you want to travel to the Middle East, I would pick a US airline that has ties to Middle East carriers. I would suggest either American Airlines (has ties to Royal Jordanian and Malev - Turkey), or United Airlines (has ties to EgyptAir, Turkish, Qatar, and Emirates Airlines). Once you have selected your airline of choice, open a credit with that program, and make sure to get your bonus miles!
A final option in terms of airline credit cards is not an airline credit card itself - it is the Starwood Hotels Credit Card. You can transfer miles earned on this card to over 30 airline partners - most at a 1:1 ratio. And of course, you get 25,000 bonus miles for joining. This credit card gives you flexibility, and can use your miles across a lot of different airlines.
Once you have your airline credit card, make sure to charge purchases on it over your debit card! For one, it is more secure and will protect your identity, and two, you will typically earn 1 mile for every 1 dollar spent. After a while, that totals up! Especially use that airline credit card when booking a flight on your airline, as you can earn up to 5 miles per 1 dollar spent. Pretty good!
And the best part is - if you aren't happy with the credit card, you can close it and still keep the miles. There is no reason not to at least open an airline credit card! Thanks for your question, TD! Check back next week for our new Reader QOTW.
February 9, 2011
Valentine's Day Is Soon! Earn Miles for Buying Flowers!
With Valentine's day coming up, the pressure is on to get the perfect gift for that special someone. A classic, safe gift is always sending flowers to your significant other. So, why not pick up some extra miles while getting a great Valentine's gift? Below is the information on each airlines program for how to earn miles by purchasing flowers.
United Airlines - If you purchase with FTD.com, you can earn 30 miles per 1 dollar spent. A dozen roses in a vase ($59.99) gets you a bonus of 1,800 miles, a great deal! Since normally 1,000 miles = $67, you are getting quite a deal! Just give your mileage number at booking. Click HERE for more details.
American Airlines - You can purchase with either FTD.com or 1-800-flowers.com and earn 10 miles for every 1 dollar spent. For 1-800-flowers, enter the promo code ADV with your mileage number and earn the bonus points. With FTD.com, enter promo code 7017 and your mileage number as well. Click HERE for more details.
Delta Airlines - You can buy flowers from 1-800-flowers.com and earn 45 miles per 1 dollar spent, which is one of the best deals out there. Just give your mileage number when prompted, and gain miles! Click HERE for the offer.
Continental Airlines - You can purchase from 1-800-flowers.com or FTD.com and earn 25 miles per 1 dollar spent plus a 100 mile bonus. Click HERE for the deal.
US Airways - Whether it be flowers, chocolates, personalized gifts, jewelry, and beauty, you can earn a lot of miles with US Airways. Ranging from 2 miles per dollar spent to 6 miles per dollar spent, be sure to check out all of their Valentine's day offers HERE.
JetBlue Airways - With FTD.com, you can earn 20 miles per 1 dollar spent. Click HERE for the details.
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Don't want to spend money on a Valentine's Day present? You can also USE miles to purchase flowers! For the same $59.99 flowers listed above, you could use only 8,300 miles to send those flowers! Click HERE for ways to redeem miles for flowers.
I hope some of you snag a couple extra miles for Valentine's Day!
United Airlines - If you purchase with FTD.com, you can earn 30 miles per 1 dollar spent. A dozen roses in a vase ($59.99) gets you a bonus of 1,800 miles, a great deal! Since normally 1,000 miles = $67, you are getting quite a deal! Just give your mileage number at booking. Click HERE for more details.
American Airlines - You can purchase with either FTD.com or 1-800-flowers.com and earn 10 miles for every 1 dollar spent. For 1-800-flowers, enter the promo code ADV with your mileage number and earn the bonus points. With FTD.com, enter promo code 7017 and your mileage number as well. Click HERE for more details.
Delta Airlines - You can buy flowers from 1-800-flowers.com and earn 45 miles per 1 dollar spent, which is one of the best deals out there. Just give your mileage number when prompted, and gain miles! Click HERE for the offer.
Continental Airlines - You can purchase from 1-800-flowers.com or FTD.com and earn 25 miles per 1 dollar spent plus a 100 mile bonus. Click HERE for the deal.
US Airways - Whether it be flowers, chocolates, personalized gifts, jewelry, and beauty, you can earn a lot of miles with US Airways. Ranging from 2 miles per dollar spent to 6 miles per dollar spent, be sure to check out all of their Valentine's day offers HERE.
JetBlue Airways - With FTD.com, you can earn 20 miles per 1 dollar spent. Click HERE for the details.
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Don't want to spend money on a Valentine's Day present? You can also USE miles to purchase flowers! For the same $59.99 flowers listed above, you could use only 8,300 miles to send those flowers! Click HERE for ways to redeem miles for flowers.
I hope some of you snag a couple extra miles for Valentine's Day!
February 4, 2011
A 5 Step Guide To Joining The Mileage Program That Works For You
In order to earn/spend miles, you have to join a mileage program first, duh. That's just common sense. But which mileage program is the best??? Here is a 5 step guide to picking a mileage program that works for you.
1. Join a mileage program from your home country. If you live in the USA, join a program from the states. No reason to pick a European carrier as your primary airline when you fly mostly in the states.
2. Choose an airline that flies to your most frequented cities. I fly United because they hub out of San Francisco, my home, and Washington DC, where I go to school. So I always gain a lot of miles as I fly between the two cities. Pick an airline that you will actually use.
3. Pick an airline with lots of airline partners. If you want to fly a lot internationally, you want to earn miles when doing so. So choose an airline that has ties to one of the three major airline alliances where you earn miles when flying partners, whether it be Star Alliance, Sky Team, or One World.
4. Pick a mileage program that has lots of promotions and ways to earn points. You can earn points with basically everything. Before selecting a mileage program, make sure yours can earn points on things like hotel stays, rental cars, credit cards, dining, and retail.
5. Choose a mileage program that has lots of flexibility and ways to spend points. Free flights, free upgrades, and elite status is at the core of this. As a bad example, Southwest - the only way to earn miles is to fly 8 roundtrips, and then you receive 1 free flight. Pick an airline where you can use your miles how you want to.
Once you've selected an airline and their mileage program, sign up! You will start earning miles right away.
Make sure to check back tomorrow where we answer a reader's question of the week!
1. Join a mileage program from your home country. If you live in the USA, join a program from the states. No reason to pick a European carrier as your primary airline when you fly mostly in the states.
2. Choose an airline that flies to your most frequented cities. I fly United because they hub out of San Francisco, my home, and Washington DC, where I go to school. So I always gain a lot of miles as I fly between the two cities. Pick an airline that you will actually use.
3. Pick an airline with lots of airline partners. If you want to fly a lot internationally, you want to earn miles when doing so. So choose an airline that has ties to one of the three major airline alliances where you earn miles when flying partners, whether it be Star Alliance, Sky Team, or One World.
4. Pick a mileage program that has lots of promotions and ways to earn points. You can earn points with basically everything. Before selecting a mileage program, make sure yours can earn points on things like hotel stays, rental cars, credit cards, dining, and retail.
5. Choose a mileage program that has lots of flexibility and ways to spend points. Free flights, free upgrades, and elite status is at the core of this. As a bad example, Southwest - the only way to earn miles is to fly 8 roundtrips, and then you receive 1 free flight. Pick an airline where you can use your miles how you want to.
Once you've selected an airline and their mileage program, sign up! You will start earning miles right away.
Make sure to check back tomorrow where we answer a reader's question of the week!
February 2, 2011
A 20 Minute Mini-Documentary on Gaining and Redeeming Miles
Frequent Flyer from Gabriel Leigh on Vimeo.
To get you all acquainted with the way to use and redeem miles, check out this GREAT mini-documentary about the pursuit of elite status and miles. This is a great background for how to try to get miles, and how dedicated some people truly are.
One of the best quotes from the video:
"Frequent flyer programs are like mazes, with so many rules, conditions and exceptions that getting anywhere with your miles can seem impossible. But for the really dedicated, there are riches to be had—free seats and upgrades in great amounts. At the core of all this? The pursuit of elite status."
Hope you enjoy it!
February 1, 2011
Welcome! Introduction to my blog
Did you know that the amount of unredeemed air miles is more than the total number of US bills in circulation??? Crazy! Therefore, the purpose of this blog is to help YOU use YOUR miles in the best way possible. I want to tell you the best way to both accrue your air miles and spend those miles. Want to go all out on a vacation, but don't want to spend the money? Use miles! Want to take a trip and not pay for your flight? Use miles! Want to eat out at a restaurant for free? Use miles! With so many ways to both accrue and spend miles, it is my hope you will use some of my advice from the self-proclaimed mileage guru. Enjoy!!!
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