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Debunking Myths About Award Travel

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I have heard so many bonkers excuses about why someone does not want to use points or miles. I am financially responsible and have no credit card debt, I have a master’s degree and I am somewhat successful at my full-time job; my point is that I am not being duped and I am not trying to dupe you

9 Myths About Award Travel

Contact me if you have any other concerns that you would like me to discuss.

1. Award Travel is Only for Frequent Flyers

  • Myth: You need to fly a lot to accumulate enough miles or points for award travel.
  • Reality: While frequent flyers may accumulate more miles quickly, even occasional travelers can earn enough points through credit card rewards, special promotions, and other loyalty programs. Signing up for the right credit cards or shopping portals can accelerate point accumulation.

2. Award Travel Seats Are Always Hard to Find

  • Myth: Award travel availability is always scarce, especially on popular routes or during peak times.
  • Reality: While it can sometimes be harder to find award seats to popular destinations at peak travel time, being flexible with dates and routes, and using aggregator tools can help you find available award space you need.
A man and two children, all smiling, stand in front of a large AT-AT Walker statue. The children wear matching Best Bro Ever shirts and hats. The setting is a paved area with trees and themed structures in the background.
Hollywood Studios Florida
Disney World

3. Award Travel Always Costs a Lot of Miles

  • Myth: Booking award travel always requires a large number of miles or points.
  • Reality: The number of miles needed for an award flight can vary widely depending on the airline, destination, and time of booking. Award charts are sometimes misleading, and award pricing can fluctuate. Deals or promotions can offer flights at a lower cost in miles. I have recently seen a ton flights from the US to Europe for as low as 6,000 points.

4. You Have to Pay High Fees and Surcharges

  • Myth: Award tickets come with excessive taxes and fees.
  • Reality: Some airlines, especially international carriers, charge high fuel surcharges on award flights, but others, particularly U.S. carriers, have relatively low fees, if you are sane and agree that $5.60 per person is low.

5. Using Miles Means I Can’t Choose My Seat or Get Premium Services

  • Myth: Booking with miles means you’ll get worse treatment and less flexibility.
  • Reality: In many cases, you can still select seats, access lounges, and enjoy perks like upgrades or priority boarding when booking with miles, especially if you’re booking with miles on the same airline or partner airline. Status in a frequent flyer program can also help.

6. Award Travel Is Only for Flights

  • Myth: Miles or points can only be used for flights.
  • Reality: Many loyalty programs allow you to use points for more than just flights. This includes hotel stays, car rentals, airport transfers, vacation packages, and even experiences like concerts or tours.
A woman and a child stand smiling in the snow beside a large statue of a skier in winter gear. Snow falls gently around them, creating a wintry atmosphere. Trees and a railing are visible in the background.
Spring Break Vail Colorado

7. Award Travel Is Always Subject to Blackout Dates

  • Myth: There are always blackout dates during holidays or peak seasons for award travel.
  • Reality: While some airlines or programs have blackout dates, many do not. Flexible travel dates and using different award programs or partners can help you avoid these restrictions.

8. You Can Only Book One Ticket at a Time

  • Myth: Award travel only allows booking one ticket at a time.
  • Reality: I have a family of 4 and most of my travel includes booking tickets for all 4 of us.  I know of no program that does not allow you to book for more than yourself, please let me know if you know of one with that restriction.

9. You Need to Be an Expert to Use Award Travel

  • Myth: Award travel is complicated and only for expert travelers.
  • Reality: With a bit of research, the use of online tools, and help from me, you can successfully navigate the world of points and miles. Programs are designed to be accessible, and there are plenty of resources to help.

Thanks for reading, friends! Happy Travels!

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