The Process Overview
Booking an award flight follows a specific sequence. Do these steps in order:
Define Your Trip
Where do you want to go? When (with flexibility)? Economy or premium cabin? How many travelers?
Research Your Options
Use Google Flights to see what routes exist. Note which airlines fly your route and which alliances they belong to.
Search for Award Availability
Search on airline websites. Start with the operating airline, then check partner programs that might offer better pricing.
Compare Your Options
Look at miles required, taxes/fees, cabin product, and schedule. Make sure total value makes sense.
Confirm Availability (Critical!)
Make sure you can select the exact flight and proceed to the booking page. Don't transfer points until you've confirmed you can book.
Transfer Points
Move points from your credit card to the airline program. Most transfers are instant.
Book the Award
Complete the booking immediately after points land. Pay any taxes/fees with a credit card.
Confirm Everything
Save your confirmation number. Select seats if available. Add frequent flyer numbers for any connecting flights.
A Real Example
Let's say you want to fly from Chicago to Tokyo in the fall.
Step 1-2: Research
Google Flights shows United and ANA fly nonstop. Both are Star Alliance, so you can use United miles, Turkish miles, Avianca miles, or others.
Step 3-4: Search and Compare
- United.com: 70,000 miles + $30 in economy
- Turkish: 45,000 miles + $30 (same United flight)
- ANA via Virgin Atlantic: Better for business class
Step 5: Confirm
On Turkish's website, you find the United flight available at 45,000 miles. You proceed through booking to the payment page to confirm you can actually book it.
Step 6-7: Transfer and Book
Transfer 45,000 Citi ThankYou points to Turkish Miles & Smiles. Once points arrive (usually instantly), complete the booking.
Transferring points before confirming availability. Award space can disappear any moment. Never transfer until you've verified the exact flight is bookable and you're ready to complete the booking immediately.
Common First-Booking Concerns
"What if availability disappears while I transfer?"
It can happen, which is why most transfers are instant. If it does disappear, you still have miles you can use for something else—they're not lost.
"Do I need to book round-trip?"
No! Book one-way awards separately. This gives you flexibility to use different programs for outbound and return.
"What if I need to change or cancel?"
Policies vary by program. Many allow changes or cancellations for a fee. Check the specific program's rules before booking.
Key Takeaways
- Follow the process in order—research, search, confirm, transfer, book
- Never transfer points until you've confirmed availability
- Book one-way awards for maximum flexibility
- Check multiple programs for the same flight
- Complete booking immediately after points transfer