How to Use Airline Miles
Most airlines offer frequent-flyer miles, also called rewards or awards, to encourage repeat business from customers. Typically, the more you travel with an airline or use a credit card issued by that airline, the more miles you collect. Once you have enough miles, you can use the Internet or telephone to redeem them for travel or merchandise, or you can donate the miles to a nonprofit organization.
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Instructions
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Use the Internet to Redeem Miles
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Go to the Web site of the airline on which you have earned frequent-flyer miles.
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Enter your user name and password for the Web site, if you are already registered online. If you are not, browse to the page that describes the airline's frequent-flyer or rewards program. That page will have a link that allows you to register online.
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Choose among the different ways to use your miles. At many airlines, you can redeem miles for air travel, using them to pay for part or all of a fare; use miles to upgrade an existing reservation to a different class; exchange miles for merchandise, such as magazine subscriptions, gadgets, or gift cards; or donate miles to a nonprofit organization or cause.
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Click on the link that allows you to use your miles as you wish. Input all required information.
Use the Telephone to Redeem Miles
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Have your frequent-flyer number handy.
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Call the airline. Many airlines have phone numbers specifically for their frequent-flyer or rewards programs. If you cannot find such a number, start by calling the airline's main customer service number.
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Explain to the airline's representative how you wish to use your miles. The representative will guide you through the process.
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Tips & Warnings
Familiarize yourself with the frequent-flyer program's rules and restrictions. For instance, many airlines let you redeem miles only on certain flights or certain days. (Often, you cannot use miles to fly on or near holidays.) Also, on some airlines, miles expire if they are not used within a specified period of time.
Some airlines charge a fee if you book travel through a telephone representative rather than the Internet.
