Frequent Miler on the Air
Where to find hidden award flights | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep246 | 3-15-24
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Explore unconventional routes and smaller airports for better award flight pricing.
- Utilize Amex Membership Rewards for Point Me flight award search tool insights on partner awards.
- Consider booking ITA flights via Virgin Atlantic for business class travel to Asia or New Zealand.
- Check Hawaiian Airlines for reliable business class award space to popular Asia-Pacific destinations.
Deep dives
Unlocking Hidden Award Flights with Lesser-Known Strategies
Consider unconventional routes and smaller airports for better pricing when searching for award flights, such as using Virgin Atlantic for Hawaiian Airlines flights or flying from/to smaller airports with American Airlines or Air France KLM. These options can provide more availability and lower prices even if not the most convenient.
Leveraging Point Me Flight Award Search Tool for Membership Rewards Holders
If you hold Amex Membership Rewards, access the free version of Point Me flight award search tool to explore award space options with various transfer partners. This tool offers insights into partner awards, including potentially advantageous booking opportunities not readily available through other platforms.
Optimizing Award Bookings with ITA Flights via Virgin Atlantic for Cost-Efficiency
When planning trips to Asia or New Zealand, consider booking ITA flights via Virgin Atlantic for business class travel. Although the pricing may not be the lowest, the availability can be high, and using Virgin Atlantic miles for ITA flights allows for cost-effective upgrades to premium classes at the airport.
Securing Business Class Award Space with Hawaiian Airlines for Asia-Pacific Journeys
Explore Hawaiian Airlines for business class award space to destinations like Tokyo, Seoul, or Auckland for reliable availability and favorable pricing compared to other carriers. This option can serve as an alternative for seamless travel experiences to popular Asia-Pacific regions.
Enhancing Flight Bookings with Emirates by Upgrading Lower Class to Premium Cabins
With Emirates, consider booking lower class tickets and potentially upgrading to business or first class at the airport using miles. This method offers flexibility to access premium cabins based on availability, expanding possibilities for a more luxurious travel experience.
Unveiling Air France KLM Flying Blue's Hidden Award Flight Pricing Secrets
When utilizing Air France KLM Flying Blue, be cautious of the calendar pricing discrepancies that may not reflect the lowest available rates for specific travel dates. Proactively explore individual dates within the calendar to identify optimal award flights and secure the best pricing options for a smooth booking process.
Consider Little Airports for Better Award Availability
It can be beneficial to check smaller airports for better award availability when booking flights. By exploring options from airports slightly further away, travelers may find significant mileage savings. For instance, a traveler managed to save 100,000 points by driving to an airport just over an hour away to connect to their desired destination. This approach highlights the potential for finding more favorable award prices by considering different airport options.
Maximizing Award Availability with Specific Airlines
Certain airlines offer superior award availability to their own members compared to partner programs, presenting an opportunity for travelers to secure sought-after awards. Examples include Eva Air, which releases more award space to its members for flights to Asia compared to partner programs. Similarly, airlines like Qatar and British Airways provide better award availability in their business class to their own members, showcasing the advantage of directly booking with the airline to access favorable award pricing and availability.
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