Questions and Answers

Hi,

I have been accruing miles/points (airlines, hotels, and amex/citi/chase) for several years now. I am 24 years old and have never actually used the miles/points to book an award seat/room/anything yet. I am wondering if it is worth it to start using them on occasion or should I just be focused on accruing? I have a fairly good amount of airline (alaska, delta, jet blue) and hotel (spg and hilton) points, but not quite enough that I would be fairly low if I used them for a big trip. Thoughts?

Thanks,
Peter

Absolutely start using them if you can. The airlines and hotels have been making your miles and points worth less by charging more for rewards. Also, among programs, miles and points can expire.

A “good redemption” is one that makes you happy. Some people say they would “never” use miles for a domestic flight but often times my ski trips take me to small airports where economy tickets are $500+. In that case I’m very happy to use miles.

I’ve also saved up lots of miles with specific goals in mind. I was able to take a 2-week dream vacation where the longhaul segments were in business and every single flight (11 segments total) was covered with miles.

So don’t stop accruing but if you have big/long-term goals keep your eye on that prize when deciding whether to earn or burn on a flight.