The search process is very similar to what we went through before, although there is a little less flexibility to
search for award space on alternate dates.
Fortunately, the taxes and fees required for these bookings are reasonable — all you have to do is decide when you want to go and
start searching for award space!
You can start
searching for award space nearly a year prior to departure; we have seen Aeroplan show award space 355 days before departure and United show award space 336 days before.
When you go back to searching for award flights, begin
by searching for award space on each segment individually and then piece the flights together.
Fortunately, you can use Garuda Indonesia's site to
search for award space so you'll be able to specify the date you want to fly with a bit more confidence.
Check out United's award chart for more information on pricing, and read my earlier post on United award routing rules for details on how to go
about searching for award space.
I got the card last month for the sign up bonus worth $ 456 in free travel, the double miles on all purchases, the free subscription to TripIt Pro, and the ability to redeem miles for any flight on any airline
without searching for award space.
Booking your flights with miles and points is a great way to travel, but sometimes it can be tough to figure out where you are supposed to
even search for award space.
You'll have to
search for award space elsewhere (i.e. the British Airways or Alaska MileagePlan website), then call AA customer service to redeem miles for your ticket.
Fortunately, the taxes and fees required for these bookings are reasonable — all you have to do is decide when you want to go and
start searching for award space!
Korean Air has recently begun to allow SkyTeam award flight searches online, allowing you to
search for award space yourself rather than calling the airline.
You can
search for award space on Korean Air's website, but make sure you select that you are searching for a SkyTeam Award (otherwise the search will only look for Korean Air flights).
You will be able to
search for award space either Air France or KLM's website and book right from there.
You can
search for award space on American Airlines» website and complete the entire booking process online.
Unlike with Delta award flights, you will have to call Korean Air to book as their online search function only allows you to
search for award space on SkyTeam partners.
If you want to
search for award space on flights operated by American Airlines, you can search and book on the British Airways site.
You can
search for award space on Korean Air's website and book from there.
Just remember, for a popular destination like Hawaii, travel date flexibility and planning ahead goes a long way when
searching for award space.
Korean Air has recently begun to allow SkyTeam award flight searches online, allowing you to
search for award space yourself rather than calling the airline.
It's easy to
search for award space on Delta by using Air France's online search.
Don't use Asia Miles to
search for award space on flights operated by Cathay Pacific if you are not using Asia Miles to book.
When
you search for award space, make sure you find flights on United, as other options on Star Alliance carriers will also show in the search results.
Let's take a look at the best places to
search for award space when you want to use your Flying Blue miles.
You can
search for award space on Korean Air's website; make sure you select SkyTeam Award.
You can
search for award space on Delta flights using Air France or KLM's websites and book from there.