How To Use Points and Miles For Free Flights and Hotel Stays

In 2022, I started a spreadsheet that tracks my value per point of my redemptions. I work hard to earn points, so I don’t want to throw them away on anything. However, if you want to go somewhere specific, the redemption value should not matter. Knowing the value of travel this hobby has allowed us to experience is fun.

Maximizing the Value Of Points And Miles

Maximizing the value of your points and miles is the key to unlocking exceptional travel experiences at a fraction of the cost. Here are several strategies to help you get the most out of your points and miles, whether you’re booking flights, hotel stays, or other travel perks

Use Points for Flights and Upgrades

Flights typically offer the best value for your points, especially for long-haul international trips. Here’s how to get the most value:

 Book Award Flights Early

Award availability can be limited, so booking flights as early as possible increases your chances of finding the best deals. Many airlines open their award calendars 330 days in advance, allowing you to lock in lower points requirements.

 Flexible Travel Dates

Being flexible with your travel dates can save you significant points. Use search engines like Seats.Aero or the airline’s award search tool to find the least expensive available award seats. Keep in mind that airlines often offer cheaper awards during off-peak travel seasons.

Use Airline Alliances

If your preferred airline doesn’t have availability, check for partners within its alliance. For example, United Airlines is part of Star Alliance so that you can redeem United MileagePlus miles for flights with partners like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, or Austrian Airlines. This opens up many options and is often better value than booking directly with your primary airline.

Book Business or First-Class Awards

Although premium cabin flights require more points or miles, they often offer the best value in terms of comfort and convenience. Using points to fly business or first class, especially on long-haul international flights, can provide a luxury experience that would cost thousands of dollars if paid in cash. America Airlines AAdvantage or Singapore KrisFlyer often offer exceptional value for premium cabin redemptions.

Maximize Airline Partners

Many credit cards, like Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum, allow you to transfer points to airline partners. These transfers are often much more efficient than booking directly through a card’s travel portal, where you may lose some of the value.

Hotel Stays: Get More Value by Booking Smart

Hotels can offer great value when redeeming points, especially at luxury hotels or high-demand destinations. Here’s how to maximize your hotel points:

Use Points for Luxury Hotels

Points are often worth more at higher-tier properties. If you’re booking a luxury hotel for a destination you would have otherwise spent a lot on, redeeming points for a high-end property can offer exceptional value. Programs like Marriott Bonvoy or World of Hyatt offer budget and luxury options with great value at top-tier hotels.

Look for Promotions

Hotel loyalty programs often run promotions where you can earn bonus points or redeem fewer points for a certain number of nights. Award nights. For example, Hilton and Marriott Bonvoy offer the fifth night free when you redeem points for 4 nights.

Consider Point + Cash Options

Some programs, like Hilton and Hyatt, offer “Point + Cash” redemption options, allowing you to use a mix of points and cash to cover the cost of a night. This can be an excellent way to stretch your points while saving money on a hotel stay.

Free Night Certificates

Some credit cards, like the Hilton Honors Aspire Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, offer free night certificates as part of the benefits. These can be used to book rooms at certain hotels without using points, saving your rewards for other trips.

Hotel Status for Perks

If you have elite status with a hotel chain (earned through stays or a credit card like the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire), you can receive upgrades, breakfast, or other perks that improve the value of your redemption.

Transfer Points Between Programs

Flexible Points Programs

If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, or Citi ThankYou Points, you can transfer points to various airline and hotel partners. This gives you more flexibility in how and where you redeem your points and often results in better value.

Promotional Offers

Airlines and hotels may run seasonal promotions offering reduced points requirements or increased earning potential. For example, Air France offers different Flying Blue Promos monthly, with sales for award tickets to various destinations.

Maximize Point Redemptions for Experiences and Upgrades

Upgrades

Some programs offer the ability to use points to upgrade your seat or room. For example, American Airlines AAdvantage allows you to use points for business or first-class upgrades. These upgrades often provide significant value compared to using points for economy-class flights.  On American Airlines, upgrades with points are only available on cash bookings.  

Experiences

Programs like Capital One Miles and Chase Ultimate Rewards allow you to redeem points for experiences, such as access to events, private tours, or dining experiences. These redemptions can often provide great value and unique experiences that you wouldn’t be able to enjoy otherwise.

Use Travel Portals Wisely

Use Portal Redemptions for Simplicity

If you have points in Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, you can redeem them directly through their travel portals. This can be an easier way to book flights or hotels without worrying about blackout dates or availability.

Maximize Point Value with Portal Bonuses

Sometimes, the travel portals (like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Travel) offer promotions where you can get more value per point. For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can redeem their points for 1.5 cents per point through the portal, increasing the value of their rewards.

Making the Most of Your Points and Miles

Following some basic rules is essential if you want to get the most value from your points and miles.

• Plan ahead and be flexible with your travel dates and routes.
• Focus on high-value redemptions like flights, business or first-class upgrades, and hotel stays at luxury properties.
• Transfer points to airline and hotel partners when it offers a better value than using the program’s own redemption options.
• Monitor promotions for additional savings or bonus points opportunities.

Using these strategies, you can stretch your points further, create memorable travel experiences, and save money on flights, hotels, and other travel perks.

Thanks for reading, Friends. Happy Travels!