Check your travel reward credit card or frequent-flyer program to see how many points or miles you have accrued. Typically you earn one point or mile for every dollar spent with a rewards credit card. If you're a member of a frequent-flyer program, review your account online and make sure all of your flights are accounted for in your total bank of miles.
Determine how many points or miles you need to earn a free airline ticket as this varies by rewards program.
Ask if you can use a combination of cash and points or miles if you don't have enough travel rewards to book a free flight.
Contact your rewards program when you have enough travel rewards to book an airline ticket. Check that there are no blackout dates or other restrictions. Rewards tickets often must be purchased months in advance. If your travel plans are not flexible and your rewards program has restrictions, you may need to purchase the ticket.
Book your ticket through your rewards program or with the airline. If you have a travel rewards credit card, you may be able to transfer your miles or points to a frequent-flyer program and book directly through the airline.
