Using frequent flier points
2 CommentsWhilst airlines used to only offer reward flights and “free” tickets on their own flights; with the rise of global airline alliances miles can be earned and redeemed on partner airlines’ flights too. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Northwest (now Delta) pioneered this level of cooperation and integration, and were the first major carriers to work so closely together that their loyalty benefits became almost mutually assured. Nowadays, within the three major alliances; oneworld, Skyteam and Star Alliance, points earned in one programme can very easily be redeemed for flights on many other carriers.
In the case of BA as above where the taxes and fees can amount to more than the cost of an economy-class ticket, the use of miles on partner airlines can sometimes reduce this. It really pays to shop around when looking for a flight and open up the possibility of flying on a partner airline to avoid some of the high costs that would otherwise be charged by the carrier whose points you are using. Another thing to look out for are connections. Some airlines charge per-segment based on distance of the flights, and not for travel between the origin and destination. This, however, is the exception and not the rule. Most airlines will charge a fixed price in miles charged based on travel beween zones. For example, LAX to LHR would be classed as North America to Europe and you’d pay the same price if you flew direct, or if you had a connection in Chicago, or New York on American Arilines (for example) whereas if you flew BA and your flight had connections each flight would be priced individually.
When it comes to the airlines that charge high fees for reward travel such as Air Canada or British Airways, the best value almost never lies in economy class travel, but rather in premium cabin travel and upgrades. You have to pay more points, but for what usually amounts to the price of a discounted economy class ticket you may be able to fly on a flexible business class ticket.
By far one of the best ways to use your frequent flier points is to upgrade. Be careful when purchasing your ticket, because not all fares can be upgraded using miles or points and there may not be availability but if there is you’re in for a treat. Upgrades usually cost far less in points than full reward tickets do and as a bonus, you usually earn miles for the cabin you’ve paid to fly in which effectively further reduces the miles cost of the ticket.
So whether you’re saving up for that once-in-a-lifetime round-the-world trip; or you want to fly in more comfort on your next trans-Atlantic hop… it pays to shop around and do your homework before spending the miles.
