Airline rules and prices in this post were checked on October 25, 2026. Loyalty programs change their rules often, so always check yours before you book.
Here’s something most travel advisors won’t put in writing: most economy airfare pays us nothing. No commission, or close to it.
So when I tell you to use your airline miles or credit card points for your flights, I’m not angling for anything. It’s simply the best deal for you right now. U.S. airfares in September 2026 were about 22% higher than a year earlier, according to government price data. Here’s how to do it well, and what I do with the rest of your trip.
How travel advisors actually get paid
When I book your resort, hotel, cruise or tour, the supplier pays me a commission. That’s why most of those bookings carry no planning fee for you, and the price is usually the same as booking direct.
Airlines are different. They stopped paying commission on most tickets years ago. The main exceptions are some business and first class fares, especially on international routes to Europe and Asia.
That’s why our trip request forms now ask: “Do you have airline miles or credit card points for flights?” If you do, we plan around them.
What counts as points
- Airline miles: United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage, JetBlue TrueBlue, Southwest Rapid Rewards, Alaska and others.
- Credit card points that transfer to airlines: Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, Citi ThankYou and Bilt, among others.
- Hotel points: worth checking too. Sometimes the best use of points is a free night or two at the start or end of a trip.
Six tips for using points on flights
- Find the seat before you move any points. Many transfers from a credit card program to an airline are instant, some take a day or more, and they’re one-way. Once points are in an airline account, they can’t come back. Find and confirm the award seat first, then transfer.
- Search early, and again close in. United, Delta, American and Alaska open their schedules for award booking about 11 months out. Airlines also often release more award seats in the last few weeks before departure. Holiday weeks and spring break go first.
- Use points where cash fares are highest. Nonstops, holiday weeks and peak routes are where points stretch furthest. Sometimes paying cash for a cheap leg and using points for the expensive one is the smart mix.
- Watch the taxes and fees. Award tickets still carry government taxes. Some programs, British Airways among them, also add large surcharges on flights to Europe. Compare the cash you’ll pay on an award against the full cash fare.
- Know the cancellation rules before you book. As of October 2026, United and American don’t charge to cancel most award tickets. Delta is free on most non-basic awards from the U.S. if you cancel more than 72 hours before departure, but Basic Economy awards are much stricter. JetBlue charges a fee. These rules change, so check yours.
- Send me your flight times before we book the rest. Your arrival time decides your transfer, whether you need an early check-in or a first-night hotel, and how much of day one is really usable.
What I do with the rest of your trip
Once your flights are covered, the money you saved can go where it changes the trip. That’s the part I love.
This week, a client told me he had enough points for nonstop flights for two. That changed the whole plan. Instead of squeezing flights and a hotel into his budget, I priced five room choices at two adults-only resorts in Punta Cana and ranked them side by side. With the flights covered, his budget reached an 807 sq ft ocean-front suite.
That’s the idea behind why paying a little more is often the better value. Points just make it easier.
Don’t forget travel protection. Your flights may be covered by points, but your resort, transfers and tours are prepaid. I’ll always quote optional travel protection for the parts of the trip you’re paying for.
When I will help with your flights
I’m always glad to help with flights when it makes sense. That includes business or first class to Europe or Asia, group travel where everyone needs to arrive together, and complicated multi-city trips. I’ll tell you honestly whether booking through me is worth it, or whether you’re better off with points or booking direct.
Frequently asked questions
Do travel advisors make money on airline tickets?
Usually not on economy tickets. Most airlines stopped paying commission years ago. Some business and first class fares, especially international, are the main exceptions.
Should I use points or pay cash for my flights?
If cash fares are high and award seats are available on the flights you want, points usually win. Compare the taxes and fees on the award ticket with the full cash fare, and save points for the expensive flights.
Can you still plan my trip if I book flights with points?
Yes. That is exactly how I like to work right now. You book the award in your own account, send me your flight times, and I plan the resort, transfers and everything else around them.
Can I cancel an award ticket?
Often, yes. As of October 2026, United and American do not charge to cancel most award tickets. Delta is free on most non-basic awards from the U.S. if you cancel more than 72 hours out, while Delta Basic Economy and JetBlue awards are stricter or carry fees. Programs change their rules, so check before you book.
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