Let’s face it. Flying isn’t what it used to be. These days, airlines are constantly adding new fees, cutting back on services, and making earning free flights harder. So the question is, is earning airline miles still worth it?
The answer, in short, is yes…but it depends. The truth is there are a lot of variables to consider when deciding if earning airline miles is worth your time and effort. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- How often do you fly? If you only fly a couple of times a year, earning airline miles probably isn’t going to be worth the effort. However, if you have a credit card that allows you to earn airline miles with every purchase, then you can rack up miles fairly quickly—and those miles can add up to free flights faster than you might think.
- What type of traveler are you? Are you the kind of person who enjoys flying first class and staying in 5-star hotels, or are you perfectly content with the bare necessities? If you’re the former, earning airline miles can help you experience the luxury travel lifestyle for less. After all, who wouldn’t want to fly business or first class for free?
- What are your goals? Are you trying to earn a free flight to save some money on your next vacation, or are you hoping to rack up enough points for a once-in-a-lifetime trip? Of course, there’s nothing wrong with either goal—but it’s important to be realistic about how many miles you’ll need to achieve it. For example, a domestic flight might only cost 25,000 miles while an international flight could cost upwards of 100,000.
Tips on Maximizing Airline Miles Credit Cards
Most people tend to use credit cards to help them earn miles fast. The best airline and travel credit cards typically have annual fees; therefore, you must consider whether the airline miles are worth the cost of the card. You can select a credit card with no annual fee, although you may not earn as many miles.
If you are devoted to a particular airline, obtaining a credit card for that airline makes sense. Alternatively, if you book flights with whichever airline offers the best and cheapest route, consider obtaining a general travel rewards credit card that is not affiliated with a specific airline. Just make sure you pay off your balance in full every month, so you don’t get hit with interest charges.
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Final Thoughts
Only you can decide if earning airline miles is right for you. If you don’t fly very often or if simple travel is all you need, chances are that redeeming rewards points isn’t going to be worth the effort. However, if you’re a frequent flyer who enjoys luxurious travel experiences, racking up airline miles could help you score incredible deals on flights and accommodations. Just remember to set realistic goals and be patient—earning free travel takes time!
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