Most airlines offer a program that allows you to collect frequent flyer miles when you fly with that airline. The more you fly, the more miles you collect. Airlines also work with credit card companies and other affiliates that allow you to collect miles when you purchase items from certain companies or when using a certain card. Once you collect enough miles to pay for a trip (or reduce the cost of a trip), you can redeem these miles and start planning your vacation.
Assess the monetary value of your frequent flyer miles. On average, the value is between 1.2 cents and 2 cents per frequent flier mile, according to ConsumerReports.org. This value rises when fares rise.
Decide when you want to travel. Check to see that there are flights on those dates and on the airline you have frequent flyer miles with.
Call a ticket agent to book your flight. Ask the ticket agent what is available for frequent flyer miles for the dates and flights that you are interested in. This will ensure that you do not choose blackout dates.
Have your frequent flyer mile number on hand when talking with the agent. Give them that number when they ask for it, and they will deduct the amount of miles that you have collected from the cost of your ticket.
