7 Expert-approved Tips to Earn and Use Airline Points to Save on Flights

"Used strategically, though, points and miles can unlock far more than a free domestic flight, from business-class seats on long-haul routes to the ability to book expensive trips without paying cash. To make sense of it all, we spoke with travel experts and points pros about how airline miles actually work today-and how to use them wisely. Ahead, you'll find guidance on earning miles more efficiently, building a credit card strategy that fits the way you spend, avoiding common mistakes, and redeeming points in ways that truly pay off."

"Start with a travel goal, not a credit card. Without a clear goal, Tiffany Funk of Point.me says it's easy to earn points that don't really serve your needs. "There are so many cards these days, and so many ways to earn miles, and you truly earn more efficiently if you know what you're aiming for." That goal, she says, can take many forms. "This can be a specific dream trip, or as simple as 'I want to have a stash of points so I can see family in an emergency without it creating financial stress.'""

Airline miles can unlock business-class seats, long-haul premium travel, and expensive trips without paying cash when earned and redeemed strategically. Start by defining a travel goal to ensure points align with desired redemptions, whether a dream trip or an emergency family visit. Build a credit-card strategy that reflects actual spending, using multiple cards to maximize category bonuses. Aim to earn at least 2x points per dollar on most transactions and use the right card at the right place. Avoid relying on a single card, which often leaves earning inefficient and reduces redemption options.

Read at Travel + Leisure