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Face it. You’re a Frequent Flyer Mile whore.
Your credit cards earn miles with each purchase; you’ve even picked your phone service to earn miles. You’re so hooked on an airline that flying without getting rewards makes you feel guilty— the “cheating on your girlfriend” guilty.
It’s time to get down and dirty about using these miles. ‘It’s been so long,’ you say. ‘I’ve forgotten how.’ Or more frequently, ‘Every time I’ve tried, it ended up like the nerd asking out the prom queen.’ Sound familiar?
Let’s put this practice into a scenario. You’re broke. Your buddy from Miami just called, and he's having a bachelor party in two weeks. He has the hotel room and the entertainment. Now you need a ticket. On short notice, that frequent flyer seat might not be available on your carrier.
'I hope he can at least send pictures,' you say as your wild dreams turn to dust.
A little telephone and online research can get you back in the game. First, call the reservations desk of your preferred carrier (No, this is not an exercise in futility.) The agent may tell you she has a seat if you use 40,000 miles, not 25,000 miles—the redeemable amount to buy a domestic ticket. If using 40,000 miles seems worth it to you, then do go ahead.
Normally you would take this if you feel desperate and don't want to wait. But there are some another options. Ask the travel company representative or airport agent to check all airports in the area. If there aren’t frequent flyer seats available to Miami, then try Ft. Lauderdale. Also try alternate or connecting routes. Going to Miami via Puerto Rico is circuitous, but these flights could give you that free ticket.
