Secrets to Redeeming Miles for Free Flights
Finding an award ticket is a challenge but there are ways to improve your odds.
Oct. 15, 2010 -- Dear Tim—
I am trying to find out the best way to use my Delta frequent flier miles to fly to Hawaii first class in October 2011.
I read your site every week, but I cannot find where this question has been asked or any place that can help me.
I am not very good at the computer looking things up. I was hoping that you could point me in the right direction for information about this topic.
Robin
Dear Robin—
The simplest solution is to redeem 180,000 miles for award tickets that are unencumbered by capacity restrictions or blackout dates. But that's a pricey way to go, with restricted Hawaii awards offered for just 75,000 miles.
Assuming you want to explore the lower-cost option first, try the following:
Finding Frequent Flier Reward Ticket Availability
By the same token, steer clear of the days immediately before and after holidays.
None of the above guarantees success, however. For that, you'll have to redeem more miles for a less restricted award.
Tim Winship is editor at large for SmarterTravel , as well as the editor and publisher of FrequentFlier.com, and a frequently quoted expert on frequent flier programs. SmarterTravel provides expert, unbiased information on timely travel deals, the best value destinations, and money-saving travel tips.
By the same token, steer clear of the days immediately before and after holidays.
None of the above guarantees success, however. For that, you'll have to redeem more miles for a less restricted award.
Tim Winship is editor at large for SmarterTravel , as well as the editor and publisher of FrequentFlier.com, and a frequently quoted expert on frequent flier programs. SmarterTravel provides expert, unbiased information on timely travel deals, the best value destinations, and money-saving travel tips.