Even after overcoming the challenges of
limited award availability on airlines, you'll face the daunting task of finding points hotels, since there are relatively limited options from the major chains.
Sure, I have to deal
with limited award availability, but I travel often enough that over the course of a year I can find a way to use my points in a way that I value at more than 1.25 cents.
Another downside with hotel credit cards is that even though most major hotel brands advertise «no blackout dates» for award nights, they still may
limit award availability.
The Chase travel portal is good for folks who need to fly on specific dates and don't want to worry about blackout dates or
limited award availability.
Airline miles are notoriously difficult to use due to
limited award availability, blackout dates, and the general wonkiness of their online booking portals.
American Airlines miles aren't the easiest award miles to use to get to Europe, since you will often have to route through London (higher fees), fly British Airways (high fuel surcharges on longer flights), and
they limit award availability on their own metal, especially for premium cabin flights.
Just be prepared to spend some time looking due to
limited award availability.
The catch, of course, is that there is
limited award availability.
Another downside with hotel credit cards is that even though most major hotel brands advertise «no blackout dates» for award nights, they still may
limit award availability.