How to Use Frequent Flyer Miles to Save on Tickets?

Frequent flyer miles are a valuable asset for avid travelers, offering the potential to save significantly on flight tickets. If you're an HDFC Bank customer, you have access to several credit cards that allow you to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles effectively. This article will guide you through the process of accumulating miles, redeeming them for tickets, and maximizing your savings.

Frequent flyer miles, often referred to as travel points, are rewards offered by airlines to customers as part of their loyalty programs. These miles can be accumulated through flights, purchases made with certain credit cards, and other activities linked to travel partners. Once accumulated, these miles can be redeemed for free or discounted flights, upgrades, and other travel-related perks.

HDFC Bank offers a range of credit cards that allow you to earn frequent flyer miles or travel points. Here’s how you can start accumulating these miles:

1. Choose the Right Credit Card:

• HDFC Diners ClubMiles Card: This card allows you to earn miles for every spend, which can be transferred to multiple airline partners.
• HDFC Regalia Credit Card: Another popular choice, offering points that can be converted into airline miles or used to book flights directly.
• HDFC Infinia Credit Card: Offers a premium experience with higher mile-earning potential and exclusive travel benefits.

2. Maximize Spending on Travel-Related Purchases:

• Use your HDFC credit card for booking flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related services to earn the maximum miles.

3. Take Advantage of Special Offers:

• Keep an eye out for HDFC Bank promotions that offer bonus miles for spending on specific categories or during certain periods.

4. Link Your Card with Airline Loyalty Programs:

• Ensure that your HDFC credit card is linked to your preferred airline’s frequent flyer program to streamline the transfer of points into miles.

Redeeming your frequent flyer miles for flight tickets is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log In to Your Airline Loyalty Account:

• Visit the website of the airline with which you have accumulated miles. Log in to your account using your frequent flyer credentials.

2. Search for Flights:

• Enter your travel dates and destinations. Make sure to select the option to search for flights using miles or points.

3. Choose Your Flight:

• The search results will display available flights that can be booked using your miles. Select the flight that best suits your schedule and preferences.

4. Redeem Your Miles:

• Once you’ve chosen your flight, proceed to the payment section. Your miles will be deducted from your account balance to cover the cost of the ticket.

5. Pay Any Additional Fees:

• In some cases, taxes, fees, or surcharges may not be covered by miles. Be prepared to pay these out-of-pocket.

6. Confirm Your Booking:

• After the payment process, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your ticket details. 

To get the most out of your frequent flyer miles, consider the following tips:

1. Book Early:

• Award seats are limited, so booking your flight as early as possible increases your chances of securing the best flights at the lowest mile cost.

2. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations:

• If your travel dates and destinations are flexible, you can take advantage of off-peak redemptions, which often require fewer miles.

3. Check for Airline Alliances:

• Some airlines allow you to use miles on partner airlines. This can give you access to a broader range of routes and flight options.

4. Use Miles for Upgrades:

• If you’re looking to enhance your travel experience, consider using your miles to upgrade from economy to business or first class.

5. Keep an Eye on Expiry Dates:

• Frequent flyer miles typically have an expiration date. Make sure to use them before they expire to avoid losing your hard-earned rewards.