Results 1 to 5 of 5

Thread: When is it better to redeem frequent flyer miles?

  1. #1
    Chicagoeditor
    Guest

    Default When is it better to redeem frequent flyer miles?

    I'm booking a short, domestic round-trip. The Orbitz cash fares are pretty cheap--say, $150. But I also have 66K miles on one airline.

    Does it make sense to use miles (25K) to pay for this trip? How do I calculate which option makes better economic sense?

  2. #2
    Banned Melonie's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2002
    Location
    way south of the border
    Posts
    25,932
    Thanks
    612
    Thanked 10,563 Times in 4,646 Posts
    Blog Entries
    3
    My Mood
    Cynical

    Default Re: When is it better to redeem frequent flyer miles?

    ... bottom line is that the 'miles' cost you nothing, while the airfare costs you something !

    The only relative calculation would have to involve a future alternative use of your 'miles' to fly to a different destination where the cash fare is far more expensive.

  3. #3
    Featured Member lunchbox's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2005
    Location
    falling from grace
    Posts
    1,943
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: When is it better to redeem frequent flyer miles?

    It depends on how many other opportunities you might have to use those miles.

    I fly often so I don't use them for a ticket that costs less than 250-300.

  4. #4
    Featured Member Vamp's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    1,111
    Thanks
    271
    Thanked 757 Times in 289 Posts

    Default Re: When is it better to redeem frequent flyer miles?

    It really depends on the redemption method of your frequent flyer program and the time frame. If it is going to be a flight in the next three months it may be better to go with orbitz. If it is a flight that will take place within a longer time frame I would say use the frequent flyer miles.

    Some frequent flyer programs are now offering new methods for redemption. For example you purchuse the airfare with the air carrier on the air carriers credit card and then you can use your miles for a credit on that same credit card. With this method you use less miles because it based on the ticket price and you dont have to worry about blackout dates.

    I would talk to my frequent flyer program also about how miles are lost. After a time frame of say a year miles will start disappearing with some programs if they are not used.
    Nature knows no indecencies; man invents them. ~ Mark Twain


  5. #5
    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Home
    Posts
    13,598
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 28 Times in 23 Posts

    Default Re: When is it better to redeem frequent flyer miles?

    It also depends upon how quickly you rack up the miles...if you'll need to use those miles for another (more expensive) trip in the future. If you're flying to St. Louis this week but will be flying to, say, the West Coast next month...use the miles for the WC and use any leftover for first class upgrades.

    I cashed in our miles for 3 roundtrip plane tickets to San Diego...cost me $15 (taxes) as opposed to $1800.

    As Vamp also mentioned, it depends on when those miles were accrued and when they will be expiring. If your miles expire every year, then it's best to look at when some of those miles will be expiring and use them before that time.

    I would also like to mention that you can usually gift up to 50,000 miles to anyone you want per year (I believe...check with your air miles carrier)...to someone like, *ahem* me, who would use them right quickly. J/K

    Hope that helps!

Similar Threads

  1. Frequent Periods
    By sexyi86 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 06-13-2008, 08:06 PM
  2. I got a speeding ticket, 20 miles over.
    By Fawn in forum The Lounge
    Replies: 64
    Last Post: 03-12-2008, 09:07 AM
  3. How long to run 2 miles?
    By AudreyLeigh in forum Body Business
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 10-12-2007, 09:28 PM
  4. Frequent Flyer Miles?
    By MadisonM in forum Dollar Den
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 04-05-2006, 01:39 PM
  5. Flyer Help
    By RetiredDancer in forum Other Work
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 06-17-2005, 04:05 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •