Are free flights really possible?Flying to Orlando is less expensive than in years past, because there are now so many different airline choices. That said, there is something even better than “less expensive”. How about free flights? Flying for free is possible, although of course not every flight will be free.
The first step that you need to take to earn free flights is to sign up for the airline’s rewards program. Most airlines that I have seen have a program that is free. You will earn either point or miles each time you fly, and once you have enough points you can use those for your flight. There will still be a small fee, but paying $5.60 is certainly better than paying $265.60!
Some of the airlines have additional ways that you can earn points besides just flying. Most often, there will be a credit card that you can apply for, and there could be bonus points just for signing up. I know that you know this, but I’ll say it anyway. Check for annual fees, especially if the card is for a discount airline. You know me, I fly for cheap often. They need to make up for those low prices somewhere! What better place than with an annual fee?
If you do sign up for an airline credit card, put all your regular purchases on it and then pay it off in full each month. That will help you to rack up those points. Also, depending on the card, you might receive more points for certain types of purchases. It could be that restaurants are worth double points, or renting a car from a certain company will give you even more.
With some cards, you don’t have to apply for a credit card to get extra points. You might receive points for shopping through a link on their site, through taking surveys, or doing other activities. There could also be discount coupons or other offers that will save you money and earn you points.
With some programs, you can pool points with others. That will help you to earn free flights faster. You might be able to buy points as well. That will cost something, but it could help you to get up to the number of points that you need.
It is surprising to me how quickly the points can add up. I just checked one of my accounts for research, and discovered that I have enough points for a one way flight to Austin, TX. I was kind of surprised to see that. I’m not planning a trip to Austin anytime soon, but I didn’t think that I had enough points for anything. Who knows, soon I might have enough points for a one way ticket up north to see my parents. I’ve flown for free round trip to see them in the past. It would be great if I could have at least one free flight by the time I book the trip for my family and me this coming Christmas.