I don't burn points as fast as I should probably. The experts will say earn & burn. Have a travel goal in mind then get the credit card that will earn you the points to get there. I just like to travel randomly at times so I have a stash plus I have a couple bigger trips planned next year. I Only have about 600,000 points, which is probably nothing compared to many points and miles hoarders.

But the fact is earning and having these points is great asset. I can't give a lot of details on my trip yet but I wanted to fly cross country next month. Keep in mind I usually book only one ways(probably another blog post in itself) Round trip total on short notice and fairly specific dates were running $450 & up.

I broke out my $300 United voucher to book one of the legs(earned off a bump). I went to Southwest for my other and was able to find a flight for 10,000 points. I paid the $5.60 in taxes and just like that I just saved at least $450 or $444.40 to be specific.

The breakdown on how I earned these:

If you like the travel vouchers some of it can be pure luck. My advice is to book flights that are more popular times & routes. Check before to see how full the flight is and arrive to the gate with plenty of time to spare. Always know how flexible you can be on when you want to get to your destination. They will start asking for volunteers. The compensation is usually based on how much longer it will take to get there and how desperate they are. Be the first one up to get your name on the list.

Southwest points are like gold to me and I love them. Most airlines require at least 12,500 miles for a one way on a good day and probably avg around 20,000 in reality. Southwest points require less because they are earned at a lesser rate. However methods such as credit cards, chase ultimate rewards, and shopping portals, you can earn lots of these without even flying. 

Get a good points card and plan a trip! Travel for free somewhere and enjoy

I have a trip planned to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl and many are shocked to see I am doing it for $34.
How is that possible you ask?

There are a few ways and this one doesn’t include points or miles, but it is because I got bumped essentially. So, I had to travel to earn it but putting yourself in the right position at the right time helps.

I booked a one way on Alaska Airlines with $50 voucher which made that $34. I booked coming back with Southwest using voucher for free flight.

How do you get bumped? By luck sometimes, but you can prepare yourself with a few steps.

• Check your flight as it gets closer to departure day and see how full it is
• When waiting at the gate, position yourself near the desk where the gate agent is. As soon s they ask for volunteers get your name on the list.
• Always ask your new departure and arrival time
• Always get clear information on what your perk will be
• You can fly at peak times when flights are full
  

I took bumps twice on my last trip and compensation was different. I also got delayed on another trip.

Southwest-With Southwest I got in only an hour or two later so I got $100 plus my $66 back which is what I paid for the flight for a total of $166. Valid for one year.

United-I took an overnight bump with United and got $300 total, valid for one year. They gave me a voucher for a hotel and bought my dinner. Also, be aware of who else took bumps. I had noticed many were getting flown back early next where I got booked following night. I spent about an hour on the phone with United and they eventually corrected it. It was a mistake as they should put you on next available flight which that was not. It’s not worth getting back in line or arguing with a gate agent. You got your $300 and they are busy and stressed so just get on the phone and work it out if possible.

Alaska-This one was more pure luck. I got delayed leaving Chicago on Alaska Air by a couple hours and they sent me a discount code. Funny part was with United (different trip than above) flying to Chicago I was actually the same amount delayed and they didn’t even say sorry. Difference in airlines!

I always keep myself an extra day at least for coming back and have a deadline on when I want to get somewhere. It’s not for everyone, but a great way to build up free trips.