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Step 1
Reserve a seat. Check with your carrier or its partner(s) for available flights to meet your needs. While the concept is simple, booking a flight with frequent flyer miles may require patience. As earning miles becomes easier, finding seats becomes more difficult. Many airlines release frequent flyer seats up to 11 months in advance. Since demand outweighs supply, the seats can go fast. Book early, and check often in case seats open up unexpectedly. If booking in advance isn't an option, consider using frequent flyer miles for part of your ticket. Some airlines allow travelers to combine miles with cash for ticket purchases.
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Step 2
Upgrade a flight. Frequent flyer programs allow miles to be used to upgrade to the next class of service on purchased tickets. According to "WebFlyer," with required miles for free seats increasing, an upgraded seat may actually be worth more. Upgrades may be available for one-way only. Not all seats qualify for upgrades. Restrictions vary.
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Step 3
Donate your miles to a charitable organization. Most airlines partner with their favorite nonprofit organizations. There are dozens of options depending on the carrier. Donated miles are used to transport agency representatives, volunteers, patients and families involved in disaster relief, medical treatment, research and wish-granting. Minimum and maximum donations may apply. Donations can be made online with your carrier. Check with your airline for specific restrictions and rules of mileage donation.
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Step 4
Share your miles with friends and relatives. Many airlines allow mile sharing with other members or partner members. Be aware, restrictions do apply. Miles must be purchased in increments, and most carriers have a maximum amount of miles that can be transferred and received each year. Fees vary. A transfer fee and per-mile charge may be incurred at the time of purchase.
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Step 5
Go shopping with your miles. Redeem your miles for non-air-travel-related items. Many airlines offer online "shopping malls" where miles can be used to purchase a variety of items from jewelry and watches to car rentals and hotel stays. More than 1,700 stores participate in various frequent flyer programs. If the mall doesn't fit your needs, consider an auction to redeem your miles. Some airlines offer online auctions to flyers. Participants can bid on a host of items from tools and electronics to sporting event tickets and toys.
