Mistake #1: Transferring Points Before Confirming Availability
The problem: You see a flight you want, transfer 100,000 points to the airline, then discover the award space is gone or was never bookable.
The fix: Always go through the booking process until you reach the payment page. Only transfer once you've confirmed you can actually book. Transfers are permanent.
Mistake #2: Only Checking One Program
The problem: You book through United because that's where your points are, without checking if Turkish, Avianca, or another partner prices the same flight cheaper.
The fix: For any flight you want, check at least 2-3 programs that could book it. The difference can be 30-50% fewer miles.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Taxes and Fees
The problem: You book an award that looks great until you see $600 in carrier surcharges at checkout.
The fix: Always check total cost (miles + fees) before committing. Some programs add huge surcharges; others don't. Factor fees into your value calculation.
Mistake #4: Hoarding Points Forever
The problem: You save points for the "perfect" redemption that never comes. Meanwhile, programs devalue, and your points buy less each year.
The fix: Points are meant to be used. A good redemption today beats a theoretical perfect redemption in five years. Don't let pursuit of perfection prevent actual travel.
Mistake #5: Poor Value Redemptions
The problem: Using 25,000 points for a $150 flight (0.6 cpp) when you could get 1 cent per point as cash back.
The fix: Always calculate cents per point. If the value is below 1 cpp, you're usually better off paying cash and keeping your points for something better.
Mistake #6: Booking Non-Refundable Without Certainty
The problem: You book an award flight for a trip that isn't confirmed, then can't cancel without losing miles or paying fees.
The fix: Know cancellation policies before booking. Many programs allow free cancellation, but some don't. For uncertain travel, verify policies first.
Mistake #7: Forgetting to Add Frequent Flyer Numbers
The problem: You book a partner award but forget to add your frequent flyer number, missing out on elite qualifying credits or earning.
The fix: After booking, add your frequent flyer number for the operating airline to your reservation. Some programs credit partner flights toward status.
Mistake #8: Not Considering Alternatives
The problem: You fixate on one specific flight/date and miss that shifting by a day or flying into a different airport would save 50% of the miles.
The fix: Stay flexible. Search alternate dates, nearby airports, and different routing options. Small changes often unlock much better availability and pricing.
The biggest mistake of all is letting complexity stop you from trying. Yes, there's a learning curve. Yes, you might not get perfect value on your first booking. But any reasonable redemption beats letting points expire or devalue while you wait to become an expert.
Key Takeaways
- Never transfer points before confirming you can book
- Check multiple programs for the same flight
- Factor in taxes and fees when calculating value
- Use your points—don't hoard them forever
- Calculate cents per point to ensure good value
- Stay flexible with dates and routing
- Know cancellation policies before booking uncertain travel
🎉 Congratulations!
You've completed Level 3: Redeeming. You now understand how to search for awards, transfer points, book flights and hotels, and avoid common pitfalls.
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