Perhaps the most obvious use for frequent flyer miles is "spending" them to get a free flight. Most domestic trips require a minimum of 25,000 miles, but there are differences in other areas. For example, one airline lets you fly between the mainland and Hawaii for as few as 35,000 miles, while other airlines require 40,000. Instead of giving travelers miles, Southwest Airlines gives credits for each trip taken, and you earn a free ticket if you get 16 credits in a 24-month period.
Some airlines allow you to combine miles and money to purchase a ticket, while others don't offer this feature. On Delta, this benefit is only available to those who have a SkyMiles credit card.
If you don't want to use your miles for a free trip, several airlines offer other options. You can redeem miles for newspaper and magazine subscriptions, car rentals, hotel stays, online auction bids, restaurant certificates, and memberships in private, airport-based travel lounges. Not all options are available on all airlines.
