How to Book A Trip Using Credit Card Airline Mlles

It is estimated that nearly 50 percent of all Americans don’t take all of their paid vacation. Some experts blame this on unreasonable workloads, while others place the blame on the expense associated with taking vacations. The simplest way to afford a vacation is to take advantage of an airline rewards card. Just by making purchases the user can quickly rack up airline reward points that can be used for airline tickets, car rentals, and even hotel stays. While obtaining the points is easy, using them can be a bit tricky. Here are a few tips to make booking a trip with reward points as easy as possible.

Determine Reward Balance

The rate that rewards are earned depends on the chosen card. Some provide up to two miles per dollar spent, while others pay less but offer incentives for shopping at specific retailers. It is best to review your rewards balance prior to booking, as this can ensure that the proper credit is being issued for each transaction. When in doubt, simply pick up the phone and contact the credit card company directly. The operator should be able to provide the most updated reward balance.

Review Restrictions and Blackout Dates

Some credit card companies have airline restrictions and certain days that they don’t allow flights to be booked, commonly referred to as blackout dates. Most new airline cards are doing away with this, but be sure to read the fine print, so there are no issues in booking a trip. It is always a good idea to book the trip as far in advance as possible, so any problems during the booking process can be avoided.

Learn About Special Promotions

Many reward cards offer promotions such as instant discounts or lump sum bonus rewards for using a particular airline. Be sure to check the price of the tickets with multiple companies, and determine if the offered promotion will indeed save money. It is also possible to receive additional benefits when the card is used to book vehicle rentals and hotel stays.

Don’t let the high cost of a vacation be a deterrent. By utilizing a miles card, anyone can take a trip and make memories that will last a lifetime. Be sure to check out Upgraded Points on Crunchbase for more tips on how to get the most out of an airline miles credit card.