Get the tickets you want with your frequent flyer miles
July 13, 2006
If you’ve ever had trouble getting the tickets you want with your frequent flyer miles, and you’re willing to do a little legwork and take some risks to get the tickets you do want, our watchful brothers over at Consumerist have some suggestions. If you can’t book the ticket you want off the bat:
…take the first available seat, even if it’s for days or even weeks later. Then show up at the airport with your e-ticket on the date you really wanted to fly on. Ask to get on a flight that day.
Make sure to keep track, though, as your choice date arrives near, of available coach seats. If none are available, this stratagem’s success is slim. Once you arrive at the airport, ask for your ticket change. The reporter was successful, though Northwest dinged him for $50 each way, which was still about $350 cheaper than what he would have normally.
Though I’m not personally keen on the idea of running to the airport without a guaranteed flight (there’s enough of a chance I won’t be taking off even if I do have a ticket), if you’ve got the time and are willing to pay a little bit, you may have some luck. I’m curious what tips readers have for successfully cashing in on frequent flyer miles, so let us hear them in the comments or at tips at lifehacker.com.
Get the tickets you want with your frequent flyer miles
