How to Use Points and Miles to Book Cheap Flights?

If you're still letting your credit card points or airline miles expire—or worse, ignoring them—you’re leaving serious money on the table. In 2025, knowing how to use rewards smartly can mean flying across the country for $11.20 or booking business class to Tokyo for pennies on the dollar.

Here’s how savvy travelers turn loyalty programs into flight upgrades, free tickets, and first-class experiences without breaking the bank.

Step 1: Get the Right Travel Credit Card

What to look for:

• Generous welcome bonus (50,000+ points for meeting a minimum spend)
• High multipliers on travel, dining, groceries, or gas
• No foreign transaction fees
• Perks like lounge access, TSA PreCheck credits, or priority boarding

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Great for beginners, strong partner network
• Amex Platinum: Premium card with luxury benefits
• Capital One Venture X: Flat-rate rewards + transferable points

Step 2: Join Frequent Flyer Programs (Even If You Fly Once a Year)

Start with:

• The airline(s) you use most
• Major alliances like Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam

• You can earn miles with one airline and redeem them across partners (e.g., earn on United, redeem on Lufthansa)
• Elite benefits like seat upgrades, free bags, and priority boarding

Step 3: Take Advantage of Point Transfers & Bonuses