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The "joys" of flying in 2026
Ceneri I most recently flew just last week, and by the time I reached the airport — at 8:05 am, meaning I had to get up around four, thank you very much — I was already exhausted, and my flight wasn’t even delayed yet, which felt suspicious. At check-in, a cheerful sign announced: “ALL BAGS MUST WEIGH LESS THAN A SENSE OF OPTIMISM.” I wasn’t sure what that meant, but the desk agent sighed, slapped a sticker on my bag, and whispered, “Good luck out there.” read post
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I have opportunities to do that. This is very helpful, Ari.
Most airlines do, but it's how to maximize those stopovers/open jaws that is the trick! For example, you could be on a USAirways award from North America to "North Asia" (Japan, for example) but have a stopover in Rome. Not only that, but the North America-Japan trip (in business class) is 10,000 miles less expensive than North America to Rome. But because that's just a stopover, you not only saved yourself 10k miles, but you saw another great city! And the fact that the routing would then be around-the-world just adds to the "wow" factor.
Of course, there's the added ability to have "layovers" in multiple cities as well. The rule there (generally)? So long as it's under 24hrs, you're good :)
Agreed. If I am not mistaken, AF allows a stopover in CDG on its award travel without penalty of miles.
True, but I was talking specifically about award redemptions. :)
Sometimes the farebasis rules allow for a stopover for free (or nominal charge). I have stopped over in Amsterdam, Paris on my way to South Asia on Skyteam metal. A good way to enjoy these two lovely cities and reduce fatigue and jetlag :)
Thanks for that, Donna! If at any point (while trying to follow those rules) however, you find yourself running into some trouble.... Fear not! First Class and Beyond is always there to help!! :-)
Ari, I will never buy miles from an airline, even at 1.3 cents. And I didn't know any of your other general rules, but I will live by them from now on.
Correct. That said, with the exception of El Al (and their "Matmid") program, I don't know any airline that charges to join their mileage program.
My general rules are:
1) NEVER buy miles from an airline (unless a promotion puts them at a cost of 1.3 cents or less).
2) NEVER redeem miles for domestic trips or any kind (unless they're short flights using BA Avios, or long cross-country business class flights using LH Miles and More).
3) NEVER redeem miles for int'l coach tickets.
4) Try to avoid flying on the airline whose miles you are using. For example, are you using United miles? Try flying on Thai, Asiana or Lufthansa instead!
5) ALWAYS try to include a stopover (and/or open-jaw - depending on airline redemption rules) in each award booking.
6) If using bank points, make sure they can be transferred (at a 1:1 ratio) to airline partners.
6a) ONLY redeem miles after they've been transferred.
Following these rules will almost guarantee a five cent (or even 12-15 cent) valuation on each of your redeemed miles/points!
Thanks, Ari and Anil. You've confirmed what I know, which is, it's hard to know what your miles are worth. 20 years ago it was simpler to figure that out, so it was easier to determine if it's worth it to pay a fee (say, $75) for a frequent flyer credit card. Today, too many variables for a quick answer to that question, right?
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