Redeeming your airline rewards miles is not always as clear cut as you would think. The airlines have many restrictions in place that may prevent you from redeeming your rewards. Racking up points is easy, but they can be of little or no value unless you take the appropriate steps to maximize your airline rewards miles potential.
Plan ahead. Do not wait to the last minute to contact your credit card company and airline about redeeming your rewards points. Card companies and airlines only allot a limited number of seats for rewards program members. Most credit card companies recommend booking your flight two months in advance.
Try to use your airline rewards points for less popular destinations. Most people attempt to redeem their rewards for popular, heavily trafficked locations first. To maximize your airline miles potential redeem them when making trips to visit family members, or other non vacation "out of the way" destinations.
Check the expiration date for your rewards points. Credit card rewards, travel or otherwise, do not last forever. Most rewards expire within three years. If you do not redeem them in time they are lost forever. Contact your credit card company to find out the particulars for your plan.
