{"id":1246,"date":"2026-02-05T11:10:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T11:10:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/?p=1246"},"modified":"2026-03-27T05:32:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T05:32:30","slug":"step-by-step-guide-to-booking-award-flights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/step-by-step-guide-to-booking-award-flights\/","title":{"rendered":"A Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Award Flights with Points and Miles"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">What is Award Travel? And how does it work?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h5>Table of Contents<\/h5><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#step-1-learn-the-basics-of-award-travel\">Step 1: Learn The Basics Of Award Travel<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#step-2-plan-and-work-backwards\">Step 2: Plan and Work Backwards<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#step-3-choose-the-right-card\">Step 3: Choose The Right Card\u00a0<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#step-4-redeem-points-and-start-award-booking\">Step 4: Redeem Points and Start Award Booking<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#step-by-step-breakdown\">Step-by-Step Breakdown:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><br>You might have heard people say, &#8220;I need those miles for my next trip.\u201d Are you still confused about how people use miles to travel? If so, what you need is an ultimate guide on how this works. Airlines and award pricing could often be confusing and complex to understand. Even if you have earned enough points through your spending, it might get frustrating to check how to make your dream destination a reality with these earned points. Which is the best plan? How do you transfer points? What are the different kinds of credit card offers that you can use?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, you are at the right place. This blog will simplify and guide you through your award flight booking journey. So fasten your seatbelts, sit back, and enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Award travel allows you to book flights with miles or credit card points. With the right strategy, you are just a few steps away from travelling business or first class. So let&#8217;s walk you through a step-by-step guide of award travelling to get you off the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-1-learn-the-basics-of-award-travel\"><strong>Step 1: Learn The Basics Of <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">Award Travel<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Points and miles are the main players here. You can earn points and miles by taking flights, staying in hotels, or general spending on shopping with your credit card. All credit cards have different requirements for earning points. However, the easiest and most efficient way to earn is by getting a travel rewards credit card.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These cards often offer a huge bonus in the first few months (usually three months) of spending $3,000 to $4,000. The spending amount may vary by regions and banks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few options you could try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-cs-work-experience-layout is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"chase-sapphire-reserve-card\"><a href=\"https:\/\/creditcards.chase.com\/rewards-credit-cards\/sapphire\/reserve\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae Card<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Beginner-friendly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earn 70,000+ points by spending $5,000 within 90 days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"capital-one-venture-x-rewards-credit-card\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/credit-cards\/travel-and-miles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Earn 75,000 miles with a $4,000 spending in the first three months of account opening.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"american-express-gold-card\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/in\/charge-cards\/gold-card\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Express\u00ae Gold Card<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Welcome offers vary from user to user. Amex will let you know which offer applies for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Generally, you can earn up to 100,000 points on spending $6,000 in the first six months.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Important note:<\/strong> Credit cards are a serious business. Consumer debt is a serious problem to be aware of. If you are paying on time, you are all set. But make sure not to overspend just to get points. Interest rates may overshadow the points you earn.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Joining a <strong>Frequent Flyer Program<\/strong> is necessary to earn and redeem miles. Credit cards earn you points, while Frequent Flyer Programs allow these points to be transferred to miles when you travel with a specific airline or their partners. Joining a Frequent Flyer Program gets you the maximum value such as traveling in business or first class and access to premium lounges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-2-plan-and-work-backwards\"><strong>Step 2: Plan and Work Backwards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a pro tip: Decide where you want to go, or what you want to do with points before choosing the right credit card!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you want to travel to the US? Or Europe? Or Asia? In business class? Each goal requires different strategies. So, set the goal and work backwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid&nbsp; opening a travel credit card without a plan in mind. Start by deciding on your destination, then the airline, travel class, and the hotels you prefer, and then open the right credit card.<br>If you are confused on how to find the best deals for your next dream destination, sign up for <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">FlightPoints<\/a>, where you can find real-time availability and plans across multiple airlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-3-choose-the-right-card\"><strong>Step 3: Choose The Right Card&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are new to the world of points and miles and have no idea how to choose the right card, don&#8217;t worry, we&#8217;ve got you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are a beginner, you have multiple options to choose from. But they all fall into two categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-cs-work-experience-layout is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"co-branded-credit-cards\">Co-Branded Credit Cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cards that are specifically linked to an airline or hotel chain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Examples: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.delta.com\/us\/en\/skymiles\/overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Delta<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aa.com\/web\/i18n\/aadvantage-program\/overview.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Airlines<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.united.com\/en\/us\/fly\/mileageplus\/use-miles.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">United<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hilton.com\/en\/hilton-honors\/?WT.mc_id=zPADA0IN1MB2PSH3paid_ggl4DOMTOP_Apr5SiteGGL_ObjROAS_TacTOP_TarKeyword_SMIN_FrmtRSAs_CrNText_DvceAll_LPOHW6MULTIBR7EN8acctid=9094736915-campid=19702724769-adgrpid=146627399216&amp;&amp;&amp;&amp;&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19702724769&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADnjLGPjS2kSLbiO69LVdSA3TuIk5&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAybfLBhAjEiwAI0mBBsHmG46bD0GmmiqqeVaERBs6haAAqr1dOg4aZ06PrTRw7oHovA4uFBoC5oYQAvD_BwE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hilton Honors<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.marriott.com\/en-gb\/default.mi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marriott Bonvoy<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" id=\"bank-issued-travel-credit-cards\">Bank-issued travel credit cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cards issued by banks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Earn flexible points and currencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Examples: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.chase.com\/personal\/credit-cards\/ultimate-rewards\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/en-xb\/rewards\/membership-rewards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Express<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thankyou.com\/cms\/thankyou\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Citi<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.capitalone.com\/credit-cards\/rewards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Miles earned through co-branded cards can be redeemed strictly with the respective airlines only. For instance, if you have the United MileagePlus Miles, you cannot combine or transfer it with other airlines.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where credit cards like Chase, American Express, and Capital One come in handy. Bank-issued credit cards are flexible with points where you can transfer points to miles in different airlines without any hassles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you can make use of airline alliances for airline redemptions. Alliances allow you to book from multiple airline options through co-branded cards.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, if you have United miles, you can book flights on Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, etc through United\u2019s booking system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To understand airline alliances and their benefits, refer here<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, miles earned through co-branded cards are non-transferable, but they are usable across partner airlines.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fp-callout\">\n  <h4>Pro Tip<\/h4>\n  <p>\n    If you are planning your first award redemption, consider pairing two cards\n    for the same spending to earn more rewards. For example, points earned with\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/creditcards.chase.com\/cash-back-credit-cards\/freedom\/flex\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n      <strong>Chase Freedom Flex<\/strong>\n    <\/a> can be combined with\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/creditcards.chase.com\/rewards-credit-cards\/sapphire\/preferred\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n      <strong>Sapphire Preferred<\/strong>\n    <\/a>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/creditcards.chase.com\/rewards-credit-cards\/sapphire\/preferred\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n      <strong>Ultimate Rewards<\/strong>\n    <\/a> and become more valuable on award travel. This maximizes earning\n    potential and travel redemptions.\n  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-4-redeem-points-and-start-award-booking\"><strong>Step 4: Redeem Points and Start Award Booking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Points are in, now the destination awaits. It&#8217;s time to make use of these points. Figuring out which plan to choose can get really hectic. You often have to hunt through multiple airline websites to understand which plan suits you best and which one is more cost-effective. Skip this chaos of award searching and let <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">FlightPoints<\/a> do the heavy lifting for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">FlightPoints<\/a> gives you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Real-time <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">award seat availability<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/alerts\/create\">Alerts<\/a> on award spaces and price drops<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Best deals and comparisons<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Centralised search across multiple airlines<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlock the best ways to use your points with <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/alerts\/create\">FlightPoints<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s a breakdown of <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/alerts\/create\">booking award flights<\/a> with <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/alerts\/create\">Flightpoints<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"step-by-step-breakdown\"><strong>Step-by-Step Breakdown:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Search your route<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"456\" src=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-13-1024x456.png\" alt=\"flightpoints - award flight search tool\" class=\"wp-image-1947\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-13-1024x456.png 1024w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-13-300x134.png 300w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-13-768x342.png 768w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-13-1536x684.png 1536w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-13-400x178.png 400w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-13-800x357.png 800w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-13-832x371.png 832w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-13-1248x556.png 1248w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-13-1320x588.png 1320w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-13.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can go to the explore and routes tab to select your program and <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">search availability<\/a> based on your program and credit card.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otherwise, start searching for flights on the <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/search\">search<\/a> page to explore and filter multiple options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"490\" src=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-11-1024x490.png\" alt=\"flightpoints - award flight search tool\" class=\"wp-image-1945\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-11-1024x490.png 1024w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-11-300x144.png 300w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-11-768x368.png 768w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-11-1536x735.png 1536w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-11-400x192.png 400w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-11-800x383.png 800w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-11-832x398.png 832w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-11-1248x597.png 1248w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-11-1320x632.png 1320w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-11.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by entering your departure city, destination, and travel dates. <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">Flightpoints<\/a> will also automatically show you all the nearby airports to increase availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">Flightpoints<\/a> scans multiple airline programs and displays available award flights across different airlines and alliances. This eliminates the need to check each airline website individually and ensures you don&#8217;t miss better deals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Compare point costs across programs<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the results are displayed, compare how different programs price the same flight. You\u2019ll often notice significant variations in point requirements depending on the airline or partner used. Here\u2019s an example of a search from New York to London:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"493\" src=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-12-1024x493.png\" alt=\"flightpoints - award flight search tool\" class=\"wp-image-1946\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-12-1024x493.png 1024w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-12-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-12-768x370.png 768w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-12-1536x740.png 1536w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-12-400x193.png 400w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-12-800x386.png 800w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-12-832x401.png 832w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-12-1248x601.png 1248w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-12-1320x636.png 1320w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-12.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This step is crucial because it helps you immediately identify overpriced options and focus on <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">efficient redemptions<\/a>. Unlock more features and filters by upgrading to a pro user. Be a quick subscriber to get a 44% off on your subscription.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check fees and surcharges<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">Flightpoints<\/a> not only show the points required, but also the cash component (taxes and surcharges). This helps you calculate the redemption value quickly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A lower point cost may not always be beneficial if the fees are high. Comparing both values helps you make a smarter decision.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"4\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Filter for best value options<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Use advanced filters to refine your search based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lowest points required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lowest fees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Preferred airline or alliance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cabin class<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"356\" src=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10-1024x356.png\" alt=\"flightpoints - award flight search tool\" class=\"wp-image-1944\" srcset=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10-1024x356.png 1024w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10-300x104.png 300w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10-768x267.png 768w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10-1536x534.png 1536w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10-400x139.png 400w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10-800x278.png 800w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10-832x289.png 832w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10-1248x434.png 1248w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10-1320x459.png 1320w, https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"5\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Identify the best program<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have done all the above steps, choose the option that has the best balance of low points, low fees, and good availability. Selecting the right program instead of booking blindly&nbsp; is where most of the value comes from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"6\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transfer points (only if required)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you have selected the best program, transfer your credit card points to that airline\u2019s loyalty program. If possible, check for transfer bonuses before moving the points to further reduce your points cost.***<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"essential-tips-for-booking\"><strong>Essential Tips for Booking:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be flexible with your dates and duration of trips. This increases chances for finding greater deals.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Even though planning a trip far in advance may sound uncertain, booking award travel almost a year ahead can give better chances of confirmed seats and availability. This is because most airlines release their award seats 330 to 360 days before departure.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Before it is too late, Set <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/alerts\/create\">alerts<\/a> for availability and price drops.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don&#8217;t paralyze your points. Avoid having the mindset to keep saving points and leaving them unused thinking you can use them for a greater purpose. Points are meant to be used. So redeem them whenever it is the best time to do so, before it expires and becomes useless.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use the right card to pay taxes and extra charges. Make sure to use a card that offers travel insurance when paying taxes in case of a cancellation or rescheduling.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Award travelling might sound daunting when you think about the planning until it becomes a reality. With the right strategy you are just a few steps away from going on that dream vacation of yours. <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/\">FlightPoints<\/a> will make it easier for you with just a click of a search. Simply log in and find the best trips. Start planning your award trip today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What is Award Travel? And how does it work? 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