Why Award Travel Isn’t Just for Frequent Flyers
Think award travel is only for jet-setting executives or those spending thousands on flights? Think again. You don’t need to be a frequent flyer to score free trips or luxury upgrades—anyone can unlock incredible travel savings with the right strategy.
The Truth About Award TravelAward travel lets you use points or miles from loyalty programs to book flights and hotels, often at a fraction of the cash cost. The best part? You can earn points without ever stepping on a plane. From credit card bonuses to everyday spending, there are clever ways to rack up miles fast.Imagine flying business class to Europe for just 60,000 points plus minimal fees, compared to $4,000 in cash. Or booking a dream Hawaii getaway for a family of four using points, saving thousands. These opportunities are real—and more accessible than you think
Busting Award Travel MythsHere are a few misconceptions that stop people from diving into award travel:
- Myth: You need to fly constantly to earn points.
Nope! Credit card rewards can net you 50,000+ points a year just from regular spending. No flights required. - Myth: Award seats are impossible to find.
With a bit of flexibility in dates or destinations, award seats are out there. The trick is knowing where and when to look. - Myth: Fees make award travel too expensive.
Domestic awards often have fees as low as $5–25, and even international trips rarely exceed $200–400 in taxes.
How to Get Started
- Chase sign-up bonuses: Some credit cards offer 50,000–100,000 points just for meeting a minimum spend.
- Book early or last-minute: Award seats often open up months in advance or right before departure.
- Use alliances: Major airline alliances like Star Alliance or Oneworld expand your options to book with partner airlines.