Do you have all the time in the world to keep track of all the airlines, the alliances, which airlines are adding flights and routes, and which routes are being canceled? I certainly don’t. I was reminded of this a few weeks ago when United announced its new non-stops to Europe for Summer 2018. Sure, these are seasonal routes, but still, for those of us who work hard accumulating miles and points, this is exactly the kind of knowledge we need to book those award tickets, and book them early. Knowing when award charts open, and seasonal route award seats are bookable, is just not something I’m good about keeping track of. In addition to United’s new Summer routes, United also started daily service between LAX and Singapore and between New York and Buenos Aires. See what I mean? That’s a lot of news to follow. And that’s just United.

For this kind of information, I’ve grown to rely on my award booking team. After all, this is what they do for a living. They are seeing what’s available NOW as well as through the months ahead. When I’m thinking about booking an award ticket they’ll know way more than I could ever keep track of. I’ve come to accept that, and am actually thrilled they’re available to guide me.

Recently, I booked two separate trips using miles & points. For one trip, I wanted to take advantage of the 40% bonus that American Express Membership Rewards was offering for transferring points to British Airways Avios. Then I wanted to use those Avios for an Iberia flight to Spain, but only on the outbound. For the inbound, I wanted to use American Airlines miles. It was confusing for me because which way did it make more sense to use which miles? And with lots of other miles and points folks taking advantage of the American Express transfer bonus, I didn’t want to see award seats slip away while I fussed with all these specifics. My award booking team helped me every step of the way and we got the flights booked and itinerary squared away. Does booking an award ticket, or in this case two tickets, come off without a hitch? No. That’s why I’m thrilled to have help! It’s well worth the fee.

La Sagrada de Familia in Barcelona, Spain. Image source: https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-15361090-stock-footage-barcelona-spain-february-la-sagrada-familia-the-impressive-cathedral-designed-by-gaudi.html

I also booked an award ticket for an extended trip around Asia. I wanted to use up some of my stash of American Airlines miles. My dates were fairly flexible, but not totally, and I had no idea how to plan the flights for a trip like this as I’d never done an extended trip to so many countries before. It required me really thinking through where I wanted to go and coupling that with the availability of flights and award seats. My award booking specialist had so much patience with all my questions, asked me the right questions, and in the end, given my parameters with dates, requested class of service, and chosen locations, we booked an award ticket!

Asian countries on the globe. Image source: https://www.risk.net/risk-management/2425227/risk-and-reward-how-banks-in-asia-reacted-to-volatility-and-hedging-demands

As you know, I never recommend any service I don’t use, because that’s just not how we roll here at TWG. So if you’re like me and you enjoy adding to your stash of miles and points and then traveling to explore amazing locations BUT the whole process of actually booking the award tickets is just not your cup of coffee, then ask for help! There’s a lovely Danish Proverb: “He who is afraid of asking is ashamed of learning.” I’m not afraid to ask for help because what I’ve learned in the award ticket booking world is that there are people who can do it much much better than I can… and they like doing it! So it’s a win-win, for sure.

My trusted team over at Juicy Miles books all my award tickets. Give them the opportunity to see what they can do for you. It doesn’t cost anything to ask! If you have any questions, let me know.