Learn How to Book Frequent Flyer Programs

Booking flights with SPG Starpoints is easy. They have over 32 airline partners, including several international carriers. They also offer a fixed-price booking option. This allows members to book any flight on any airline with no blackout dates.

One of the most luxurious options for redeeming American AAdvantage miles is on Etihad Airways, which operates out of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Etihad has received significant press for The Residence, a private three-room cabin on its Airbus A380 aircraft.

It may seem like a bit player in the U.S., but Alaska Airlines has long offered more flights between Hawaii and the mainland than any other carrier—yes, even more than Hawaiian Airlines. This is in addition to its extensive network throughout the West Coast and the State of Alaska.

Cathay Pacific, like most Asian carriers, is known for its good service. A reverse herringbone business-class and spacious first-class suites provide some of the best award redemption opportunities for those crossing the Pacific Ocean. Cathay even operates a “fifth freedom” route between Vancouver and New York-JFK.

Using Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book a flight is easy. Chase works directly with six frequent flyer programs including United, Southwest, and Virgin Atlantic. However, you can also use your Ultimate Rewards like money which allows you to book a flight on almost any airline with no blackout dates. And if you have a Sapphire or Ink card, you can get a 20% bonus to boot.

It’s simple to book a flight with American Express Membership Rewards points. There are about 100 different airlines to choose from. You also earn frequent flyer miles with the ticket purchase and there are no seat restrictions or blackout dates.

If you are planning on a taking a trip in 2016, plan on booking it now or soon. If you haven’t yet started planning a trip to take this year, start now. Why? Because a plethora of airlines are offering flights at rock bottom rates.

Sun Country Airlines is based at the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. Its regularly scheduled flights go to 22 domestic locations and 11 international destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean. The airline also operates a number of charter flights, including to Cuba. Charter flights cannot be booked as awards.

TAM Airlines, the biggest airline in Brazil, operates out of three hubs: Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia. The carrier flies to 67 destinations in 18 countries, including Miami, New York and Orlando in the United States.

LAN Airlines is the flag carrier of Chile. Its main hub is Santiago National Airport. In 2012, LAN Airlines merged with the Brazilian TAM Airlines, creating the largest airline holding company in South America. The two carriers are slated to be fully integrated in 2018.

Royal Jordanian Airlines is the flag carrier of Jordan. Operating out of Amman, the airline flies to 54 domestic and international destinations, including Chicago, Detroit and New York in the United States.

Singapore Airlines has a reputation for having comfortable planes and excellent service. It’s the flag carrier of Singapore, operating out of its hub in Changi Airport. Singapore Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, and it flies to 63 destinations in 35 countries worldwide. In the U.S., it flies to Houston, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.

Although Flying Blue is touted as the frequent flyer program for Air France and KLM, several other airlines also use the program, including Air Europa, Kenya Airways and TAROM. It’s a flexible program, since it has members from all three of the major airline alliances, as well as some nonalliance carriers.

Nowadays, who doesn’t use their smartphone or tablet to check airline reservations, do a bit of shopping or book a hotel? Apps for our devices have changed how we interact with the world, and traveling is no exception.

Virgin America is a San Francisco-based airline licensed by Virgin Atlantic. Its 21 destinations are mostly in the United States, with the exception of Cancun, San Jose del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.

Aer Lingus is the flag carrier of Ireland and the country’s second-largest airline after Ryanair. It flies to 80 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa and the United States, where it serves Boston, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.

Malaysia Airlines, the flag carrier of Malaysia, is based in Kuala Lumpur. It flies to 60 destinations in 28 countries, but it doesn’t currently serve any cities in North America.

Alitalia, the national airline of Italy, serves 102 destinations in 51 countries. In the United States, the airline flies to Boston, Miami and New York, and seasonally to Chicago and Los Angeles.

Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, is a luxurious airline with outstanding service. Its loyalty program, Alfursan, is well-regarded, offering members some nice perks.

Although the program’s redemptions for miles are generally priced conservatively, there are a few excellent deals hidden in its award charts. In some cases, Saudia Alfursan will give you better redemption rates than its partner Delta Air Lines.

Finnair, the flag carrier of Finland, dates back to 1923, making it one of the oldest airlines in the world. From its main hub in Helsinki Airport, the airline flies to 88 destinations in Europe, Asia and North America. In the United States, it serves Chicago, Miami and New York.