While airline points are a great way to score free flights to many parts of the world, those who travel infrequently or have recently joined a loyalty program are often discouraged by how much they will have to fly (and subsequently spend) before you accumulate enough points for even a one-way flight to a nearby domestic city.
Extensive analysis of numbers By WalletHub shows that a one-way domestic ticket starts at 10,000 miles for United Airlines (UAL) 3,400 miles for JetBlue Airways (BLUE) and 7,500 miles for American Airlines (AAL) . The specific dollars-to-miles conversion system will vary by airline: On United, it starts at one to five for non-status travelers, which equates to having to spend about $2,000 to earn enough miles for that first free one-way trip. flight.
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To reach customers who want to spend fewer points, American Airlines launched a promotion where you can redeem a one-way flight between US cities or to a nearby international destination for 5,000 AAdvantage miles.
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Here's what you need to do to take advantage of this low points offer
The airline's website shows that, outside of the promotion, a one-way flight between cities in the US or Canada starts at 7,500 miles in economy class and 15,000 in business class. Flights to Mexico and the Caribbean start at 10,000 and 20,000 respectively.
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The 5,000 AAdvantage mile promotion includes many different cities within the US and flights to sun-filled international destinations like Cancun, Barbados, and the Cayman Islands (to be eligible for the promotion, the flight must originate in the US .)
While one will be able to choose from most major US cities, as well as smaller vacation destinations like Vail and Palm Beach, American Airlines is promoting routes such as Philadelphia (PHL) to Orlando (MSW), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Cancun (CUN) and New York Laguardia Airport (LGA), as well as routes between Miami (MIA) and New York and Cancun.
Don't have enough points? Here are some easy ways to earn them faster.
On most airlines, faster points accumulation is a perk that comes with earning higher loyalty status. Platinum members can earn up to 10x per dollar spent, as well as different bonuses when certain spending goals are met.
Other common ways to accumulate points beyond the cost of the flight is to use credit cards specific to that airline (such as the American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp Mastercard or the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card). (give it) ) and pay for flights, meals and purchases at certain stores through the linked credit card. Most airlines also have a travel platform for booking hotels and car rentals; Although it is sometimes more expensive than booking directly, it will maximize your points accumulation.
“Shopping for groceries, making home renovations, shopping before the holidays, or even spending on upcoming nuptials are great ways to earn miles. With AAdvantage e-shoppingshop at more than 1,200 online stores and earn miles for every dollar spent,” the airline said in announcing the promotion. “With SimplyMiles Earn even more with a linked Mastercard on select brand purchases in-store and online.”
