Ever wondered how air miles work? Well, you’re not alone. It can seem like a complex system, especially if you’re new to it. But don’t worry, this guide will simplify it for you.
Air miles, also known as points, are like loyalty rewards that you can accumulate over time. You can earn them by flying with airlines or using certain credit cards. Once you’ve gathered enough, you can use them to book flights, upgrade your seat, and sometimes even for hotel bookings, airport lounges, and duty-free purchases.
However, the term ‘air mile’ can be a bit misleading. It doesn’t mean that you earn one air mile for every mile you travel by air. For instance, if you fly from London to Sydney, which is a distance of 10,000 miles, you won’t earn 10,000 air mile points. Instead, you might earn around 16,000 points. Similarly, if you want to use your accumulated air miles to fly the same distance, it might cost you around 150,000 air miles. So, the distance you travel and the air miles you earn or spend are not directly related.
There are two main ways to earn air miles. The first is by flying with an airline. However, this method only contributes to about 10-20% of your total points. The majority of air miles are earned through credit cards. Certain credit cards reward you with air miles for using them. This is the primary way most people accumulate air miles and afford to fly business class.
When flying with an airline, it’s important to remember that there are three major alliances: One World, Sky Team, and Star Alliance. Almost all airlines belong to one of these alliances. So, instead of signing up for every airline’s points system, you should only sign up for one in each group. This way, you can earn air miles regardless of which airline within the alliance you fly with.
Now, let’s talk about credit cards. This is where the majority of your air miles will come from. When you use a credit card that offers air miles, you earn points in two ways. First, you get a sign-up bonus, which is usually contingent on spending a certain amount within the first few months. Second, you earn points for every dollar or pound you spend. Some cards even offer 2 or 3 points per dollar or pound spent, especially on travel and hotels.
Once you’ve earned your air miles, you can spend them! The best way to use your air miles is to upgrade your flights. You can upgrade from economy to business class, or from business to first class. However, keep in mind that the cheapest economy tickets are often not upgradable, so check this before you book your ticket.
In conclusion, earning and using air miles is not as complicated as it may seem. The key is to use the right credit cards and be loyal to one airline alliance. With a little planning and strategic spending, you can accumulate enough air miles to upgrade your flights and enjoy a more luxurious travel experience.
