How to Use Air Miles to Fly

You can use air miles to purchase free flights.

Flying is expensive, but you can cut down on expenses by enrolling in an air miles program that nearly every airline company offers. An air miles program credits you for the amount of miles you fly when you book your flights, and some programs credit you for miles for making everyday purchases. Once you've acquired enough miles, you can spend them to purchase free flights.

Instructions

1. Visit the website of the airline company from which you have acquired your air miles. You cannot spend air miles from one airliner on another airliner. For example, if you have 30,000 Delta air miles, you cannot spend them on a United Airlines flight.

2. Sign into your air miles account. Each airline company words their air miles program differently. For example, Southwest Airlines air miles program is called "Rapid Rewards" and rewards you in credits rather than miles; American Airlines program is called "AAdvantage."

3. Click "Use Miles" or anything worded similar. Just as different airline companies word their air miles programs differently, the exact wording to use your miles varies as well.

4. Enter your flight details, such as which city you're traveling from and to and the date you're leaving. Specify whether the trip is one-way or round-trip, and select the number of passengers.

5. Look at the number of miles required. The miles required for your flight are listed next to the flight itself. If you have the necessary amount of miles, continue with booking your flight. The airline company will deduct the air miles you use once you confirm the flight.

Tips & Warnings

• Taxes and fees are not covered by air miles, so you will still need to enter your payment information to cover those charges.

References

• American Airlines:AAdvantage Frequent Flyer Mileage Program
• SouthWest: About Rapid Rewards