All the Hacks: Money, Points & Life
18 Tactics for Booking Travel with Points & Miles
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Flexibility is key in award travel, allowing for better deals on flights and hotels.
- Understand the intricacies of airline partners to find the best value for points.
- Be aware of cancellation and expiration policies to manage bookings effectively.
- Utilize award search and discovery tools to uncover hidden opportunities for travel.
- Implement strategic booking tactics, such as one-way flights and setting alerts, to maximize travel points.
- Consider family-friendly deals and options when traveling with children to save on costs.
Summary
Leveraging Flexibility to Unlock Travel Opportunities
Chris emphasizes the importance of flexibility in award travel, noting that being open to various flight dates and routes can lead to better deals. He explains that flexibility doesn't just mean changing dates but also being willing to explore different destinations or airlines to maximize point redemption. The more flexible you are, the easier it will be to find amazing travel deals.
Understanding Airline Partners and Award Pricing
This section delves into the dynamics of airline partners and their varied award pricing structures. Chris highlights the differences between direct bookings and booking through partner airlines, showcasing how exploring different options may yield better deals. He advises listeners to familiarize themselves with airline partner programs and to compare award deals across various airlines for optimal savings.
Navigating Cancellation and Expiration Policies
Chris discusses the significance of understanding cancellation policies and award expiration rules for different airlines. He emphasizes that while some airlines have straightforward policies, others impose high penalties for changes or cancellations. Being aware of these rules is crucial for planning trips with confidence and minimizing potential losses.
Utilizing Award Search Tools and Discovery Tools
In this segment, Chris introduces listeners to various tools that assist in the search for award flights and hotels. He highlights the utility of search engines like point.me and Seats.Aero for discovering hidden availability and rates. By leveraging these tools, travelers can streamline their booking processes and unlock more award opportunities.
Strategic Tips for Booking Travel with Points
Chris shares 18 tactics for effectively booking travel with points, ranging from sweet spots in award pricing to utilizing stopovers and mixed cabin flights. He suggests setting up alerts for specific flights, booking one-way flights for flexibility, and even considering backup flights in case of cancellations or delays. These strategies empower listeners to maximize the value of their points.
Tips for Family Travel and Specific Cases
The podcast touches upon family travel tips, noting that different airlines have various pricing for lap infants and children. Chris highlights how Air France and KLM offer substantial discounts for kids, making them excellent choices for families. He also mentions the Southwest Companion Pass, which allows designated travelers to fly free – a great benefit for families.
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Show notes
#238: Chris shares 18 tactics he’s used to get the best deals booking flights and hotels with points. Learn how to leverage flexibility, navigate transfer partners, use the right tools, identify “sweet spots,” avoid high fees, position flights, and so much more.
Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/18-tactics-for-booking-award-travel
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For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals
Resources Mentioned
Chris' Airline/Hotel Transfer Partner Spreadsheet
Free Starter Guide to Points by Devon Gimbel
Award Search/Discovery Tools
point.me: 7 months free on an annual plan with code ALLTHEHACKS7
Seats.Aero: Lufthansa First Class Finder | Qatar Qsuites Finder | JAL First Class Finder
PointsYeah: Daydream Explorer
AwardTool: $20 off annual plans with code ALLTHEHACKS
Awayz: $10 for ATH listeners and 50% off for ATH members
MaxMyPoint
StayWithPoints
Rooms.Aero
Points Path Chrome Extension
FlightConnections
Skiplagged
Other Resources
Award change/cancel policies by airline
The best programs for lap infant award tickets
Frequent Miler Podcast: How to Save Miles by Flying More
ATH Podcast
Ep #166: Best Award Search Tools for Booking Flights with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler
Ep #167: Best Tools for Booking Hotels with Points & Miles with Greg the Frequent Miler
Ep #227: The Path to Becoming an Expert in Points & Miles with Devon Gimbel
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Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com
Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:54) Quick Episode Overview
(03:25) Leveraging Flexibility to Unlock Travel Opportunities
(06:47) The Importance of Understanding Airline Partners
(07:15) Comparing Award Flight Deals
(09:51) Different Cancellation Policies Across Airline Programs
(12:37) Expiration Policies
(14:11) Understanding Schedule Opens and Booking Windows
(16:55) Award Search Tools
(22:13) When and Why You Should Buy Points on Sale
(23:35) Finding Award Sweet Spots
(26:20) Leveraging Transfer Bonuses
(29:00) Why You Should (Almost) Always Book One-Way Travel
(31:07) How to Strategically Position Long-Haul Flights
(34:40) Taking Advantage of Stopovers and Open Jaws
(40:30) Pros (and Cons) of Mixed Cabin Awards
(42:56) Setting Up Alerts to Find the Ideal Flight
(44:56) Booking Backup Flights
(46:25) Three Biggest Pain Points of Award Bookings
(48:31) Hidden City Ticketing
(52:16) Tips for Hotel Award Deals
(53:42) Airline Pricing for Lap Infants and Children
(55:39) Outsized Value from the Southwest Companion Pass
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Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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