There are AMAZING sales on flights using your miles. Many airline programs run these deals; however, I am familiar with Delta. The flash sales are not the easiest to find, so I suggest you turn on Instagram notifications and email. I have done all that was mentioned and the only way I find out about a flash sale merely by googling Delta Skymile deals.

I review the deals and if we like them,then we book. This is an amazing way to stretch out your points. Currently, we are stalking a deal to the Bahamas for 18,000 miles. This is a gem that I just discovered and I am in awe that I never knew it existed as most airlines withhold flash sales on points. This means you can book a flight at a dramatically lower points level.

For example, Delta’s current promotion provides you with a great sampling of options.  You can fly to Brussels on fewer points that I have used to go to Florida.

Several airlines also have flash deals with purchasing points. For example, Alaska offers a 40% bonus several times a year. Please note there is usually a points limit when purchasing however many family members can do this. Basically, if you purchase 100,000 Alaska points you get an additional 40% free. Hence you just got 140,000 for the price of 100,000. Look into who they partner with as you can score great trips.  For Alaska, they partner with Emirates so a trip to Dubai is not as far away as you thought. I am considering this as we prepare for our next trip there (or another destination in Emirates’ network).

I do not recommend purchasing points unless the airline is offering some sort of promotion as otherwise, you may be spending more than the ticket.

You will need to join the airline loyalty programs to view offers. There is no fee to join; however, you will need to provide an email. You can keep your points with your credit card (usually don’t expire) such as AMEX or CHASE  as these deals apply to you as well. Prior to making any purchase to gain extra points or miles, and before transferring your credit card points to an airline’s frequent flyer program, it is a MUST that you do your research.  You need to make sure that you can use miles for the flight (they may be sold out for your dates or there is a premium points charge), you may not be able to transfer, or several other stipulations. Due diligence is the key.

Easy Steps to follow

• Just search for a great deal.
• Open a free frequent flyer account with the airline of your choice.
• Call to make sure this is available using your points (both the airline and the credit card company if you are transferring points to an airline;  as well as to make sure how long it will take for your points to post)
• Transfer points from a credit card into new frequent flier account

Please note that most credit cards work with all the airlines but there is always the chance that a particular one is out of their network.  

The other key is that you need to be flexible.  Some times these great promotions mean you may need to leave in a week or on a Tuesday.  Don’t let this discourage you – the deals are too good to pass up as you never know if they will offer something similar.

Happy Hunting!

Please share your deal finds or strategies in comments below. I will be happy to add to my list!