Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles in 2025

What are points and miles?

Points and miles are loyalty currencies you can redeem for flights, hotels, or upgrades. Some live in bank programs (e.g., American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards), while others belong to airlines (United, Air Canada, British Airways, etc.).

Bank points vs. airline miles

Bank points: Flexible. Transfer to multiple airlines for the best deal.
Airline miles: Typically earned from flights or co‑branded cards. Useful for a specific partner or alliance.

Alliances and partners

Most airlines participate in one of three alliances—Star Alliance, oneworld, or SkyTeam. This matters because you can often book a partner airline using the miles of another alliance member. For example, you might book a Lufthansa flight using United miles.

Transfers: how value is created

Bank points become powerful when you transfer them to the right airline program at the right time. Some transfers are instant; others take hours or days. Always confirm availability before transferring.

A step‑by‑step plan to your first redemption

Define the trip: Route, date range, cabin, and acceptable number of stops.
Map your currencies: What bank points do you have? Which partners do they support?
Search broadly: Look across alliances and partner sites to validate real space.
Set alerts: Use precise criteria (route, dates, cabin, stops) to catch rolling space.
Transfer and book: Only transfer when you can hold or book to avoid stranded points.

Quick wins in 2025

Use distance-based programs (like Avios) for cheaper short‑hauls.
Watch for transfer bonuses from banks to airline partners.
Target midweek departures for better premium‑cabin availability.

Related guides

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