Experienced travelers well versed in the ways of finding cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages, tend to be equally adept at figuring out how to earn as many airline miles as possible.
The following are some of the mile maximization strategies savvy fliers use:
Whenever possible fly on as few airlines as possible so as to earn as many miles within as few frequent flier programs thereby maximizing your earning power.
Be open to using your miles for things other than airline tickets when other offerings, such as free hotel stays, are of greater value.
Avoid programs with miles that expire whenever possible.
Look into signing up for a credit card that will earn miles in whichever airlines you are flying the most frequently.
Be open to new credit cards offers that include attractive sign up bonuses, no foreign transaction fees (if you are planning on traveling abroad) and whose annual fees are waived for the first year of use.
When it comes to redeeming miles for tickets, smart travelers are flexible and willing to accept the routes and times that are available. Booking early (as early as 330 prior to departure) is key in finding available seats to high demand destinations.
Savvy frequent fliers take the time to do research and figure out when and how to redeem their miles to maximize value.
Services, seminars and clubs are now available to help travelers figure out the smartest ways to earn and redeem miles. A company called Frequent Flyer University offers a service at an annual cost of $60 that helps travelers monitor their miles, build them more efficiently, and successfully convert them into tickets. www.cheapfares.com