41. Booking Smart: How to Use Airline Alliances to Your Advantage

Welcome back! In our today's episode we uncover the hidden gems within airline alliances! Ever wondered about flying Q Suite for fewer miles than you'd expect? Or how about discovering those hidden airline sweet spots that seem elusive? We've got you covered.

We dive deep into the world of airline alliances. These power-packed groups allow travelers like us (and you!) to book flights using miles from one airline but fly on another. To put it in perspective, imagine using Virgin Atlantic miles to book a Delta flight and snagging a bargain in the process. And yes, flying Q Suite on Qatar Airways with American Airlines miles is entirely possible—we've done it!

And for those of you keen on understanding the potential of less-talked-about loyalty programs, Pam dove deep into her experiences with Avianca Life Miles.

Want to catch all the details and tips we shared? Press play on the episode and embark on a journey of points and miles mastery with us!

 

Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Links For This Episode: 

Award Travel Academy Next Level: https://travelmomsquad.com/ata-next-level

Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet:  https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/cheatsheet

 

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:48 Jess breaks down how airline alliances work, check the cheat sheet in the show notes! 

• 02:49 Working with a partner airline can save a lot of miles, but it's not always an option 

• 04:27 Alex shares her favorite airline alliance sweet spots 

• 06:59 Alex and Pam share their experience with Qatar airlines, flying in Qsuite  

• 11:51 Pam talks about the sweet spots that she’s taken advantage of with Avianca Life miles

• 15:11 Jess shares her favorite sweet spot with Star Alliance 

• 18:29 Alex talks about booking Delta flights through Virgin Atlantic 

• 21:00 Pam gives another tip when it comes to booking flights to Hawaii 

• 25:10 Jess shares her plan to get home from Japan with American Airlines miles 

• 26:12 Breaking down sweet spots that don’t involve airline alliances 

• 28:01 Jess talks about Turkish Airlines, known for an amazing experience 

• 32:54 Make sure to check out the Award Travel Academy Next Level course!