Questions and Answers

Hi Omaat team,

I was wondering if you might find the time to explain the practicalities of using one airline’s loyalty program to book with another airline for those of us who do not fly often but are interested in learning more about using miles to travel.

For example, articles frequently reference using Alaska miles or Ethiad Guest to book flights with other airlines. Should a traveler search for flights through the site of the relevant loyalty program or search via the site of the carrier you are hoping to fly and then backtrack? Can you mostly use the loyalty program of one carrier with all other carriers in the same alliance? What other issues should travelers keep in mind when using the loyalty program of one carrier to book with another?

Many thanks–SMC

Hey SMC, thanks for reading!

You should start here, with the section in our beginner’s guide about alliances and partnerships. Be sure to watch the video too, I think it will get you started in the right direction, but definitely let us know what questions you have! [URL]https://onemileatatime.com/alliances-work/[/URL]

[QUOTE=”SMC, post: 69257″]Hi Omaat team,

I was wondering if you might find the time to explain the practicalities of using one airline’s loyalty program to book with another airline for those of us who do not fly often but are interested in learning more about using miles to travel.

For example, articles frequently reference using Alaska miles or Ethiad Guest to book flights with other airlines. Should a traveler search for flights through the site of the relevant loyalty program or search via the site of the carrier you are hoping to fly and then backtrack? Can you mostly use the loyalty program of one carrier with all other carriers in the same alliance? What other issues should travelers keep in mind when using the loyalty program of one carrier to book with another?

Many thanks–SMC[/QUOTE]
Hi SMC, one thing I found out the hard way, was to read the fine print on fare upgrade eligibility. For instance 4 fares for same cabin, top 2 show, eligible for upgrade with miles. BUT! only the highest price fare is eligible for upgrading with other programs reward miles, in the alliance. That’s in the very fine print.