🧳 20 Expert Tactics to Book Travel with Points & Miles

Booking travel with points and miles isn’t just about earning them; it’s about using them strategically. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of tactics to squeeze the most value from my points, and in this post, I’m sharing the 20 strategies I rely on to book award flights and hotels for a fraction of the cost.

Whether you're just getting started or already deep into the points game, these tips will help you unlock better redemptions, avoid common pitfalls, and make your travel cheaper, easier, and more rewarding.

1. Master Flexibility (Even When You're Not)

The most successful award travelers are flexible in some way, whether it’s the dates, destinations, airlines, or booking timeline. Even if you can’t budge on travel dates, being open to different routes, airports, or cabins can unlock better deals. Flexibility means knowing where you can compromise.

2. Always Compare Airline Partners

Never assume the airline operating your flight is the best one to book through. The exact same seat can often be booked for far fewer points (and fees) via a partner airline. For example, a Delta flight that costs 240,000 SkyMiles might be available for just 65,000 Flying Blue miles + taxes.

3. Understand Award Program Rules

Every airline has different rules for fees, cancellations, and refunds. Some (like United) are extremely lenient, while others (like Iberia) may be non-refundable. Knowing these details can save you from losing points or, sometimes, your entire trip.

4. Know When Booking Calendars Open

Award seats open up at different times depending on the program. Some airlines release space 360+ days in advance, others much later. If you want those rare premium cabin seats, you need to know when to strike.

5. Use Award Search Tools Like a Pro

Tools like Seats.aero, point.me (20% off with code ALLTHEHACKS20), AwardTool ($20 off with code ALLTHEHACKS), and PointsYeah make it easier to discover and book award space. Many let you set alerts, search by region, or explore destinations based on your points.

6. Buy Points (Only When It Makes Sense)

Buying points isn’t just for topping up a balance. During promos, you can often buy points at a rate that makes an award cheaper than paying cash.

7. Identify the Sweet Spots

Some award programs offer outsized value thanks to fixed award charts or distance-based pricing. For example, Turkish Airlines charges just 7,500 miles for U.S. domestic flights (including Hawaii), and ANA offers round-trip business class to Japan from 75,000 miles. Knowing these sweet spots can help you save big and get outsized value from your points.

8. Leverage Transfer Bonuses + Award Sales

Banks like Amex, Chase, Citi, and Bilt regularly offer 15–50% transfer bonuses. Used smartly, these can dramatically reduce the number of points needed for an award. Programs like Flying Blue also run monthly “promo rewards” with up to 50% off redemptions.

9. Book One-Way Flights (Almost Always)

One-way bookings give you maximum flexibility and usually cost the same (in miles) as half a round-trip. It also makes it easier to jump on a good deal without waiting for return availability.

10. Position Flights for Better Deals

Can’t find availability from your home airport? Search from nearby hubs instead and book a separate positioning flight. For example, book LAX to Europe on points, then grab a cheap cash flight to LAX from your home city.

11. Add Stopovers or Open Jaws

Some programs allow free or low-cost stopovers (like Air Canada and Alaska), letting you visit two destinations on one award. Open jaws (flying into one city and out of another) are great when booking round-trip with programs that reward it.

12. Don’t Be Afraid of Mixed Cabin Awards

Can’t find business class the whole way? Consider flying economy on the short leg and business on the long haul. Some programs (like LifeMiles) even average the price between cabins to lower the total miles needed.

13. Set Alerts for Better Options

If you find flights that aren’t ideal (wrong time, cabin, or route), book them and set alerts for better options. Most programs let you cancel or change later, and last-minute premium space often opens up.

14. Use Backup Bookings When It Matters

For high-stakes trips, consider booking a second “just in case” award. Many programs (like United, Alaska, and Southwest) let you cancel for free. It’s peace of mind, especially if your first choice gets canceled or delayed.

15. Keep an Eye on Award Fees

Not all award flights are created equal, so some come with massive fuel surcharges that can cost hundreds in cash. Programs like British Airways and Emirates often tack on high fees, while others like United and Aeroplan generally don’t. Always check the total cost in both points and money before booking.

16. Pay Fees with a Card That Has Travel Benefits

When paying taxes and fees on award flights, use a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® that offers trip protections like trip cancellation or interruption insurance, lost luggage insurance, and other travel coverage. 

17. Hidden City Ticketing

Hidden city ticketing is when you book a cheaper flight with a layover in your intended destination and skip the final leg. It can save money or points, but it comes with risks: airlines frown on it, you can’t check bags, and repeat use could get your account flagged. 

18. Use Hotel Perks to Save More

Maximize hotel redemptions by leveraging perks like Hilton and Marriott’s fifth night free or IHG’s fourth night free with their card. Hyatt and Hilton waive resort fees on award stays, which can save you $30–$70 per night. Hyatt Globalists can use suite upgrades on award bookings, and Hilton Free Night certificates can be redeemed at ultra-premium properties with no point cap.

19. Understand Lap Infant and Child Pricing

Award pricing for kids varies widely, and these savings can add up fast if you’re traveling as a family. For example, Air Canada charges just $25 or 2,500 points for lap infants, while British Airways and Flying Blue offer discounted rates for kids.

20. Take Advantage of the Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best travel perks out there, where your companion flies free (just paying taxes) on every trip you take. Earn it through credit card bonuses and spending, and you’ll get nearly two years of buy-one-get-one-free flights.

The bottom line is, you don’t need to be a full-time travel hacker to get incredible value from your points and miles. With the right strategy, tools, and a little flexibility, you can unlock outsized travel experiences, often for less than you'd spend on a budget ticket.

Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.