This article was taken from the March 2014 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
The UK is the second most active country in the world for redeeming frequent-flier awards. Millions of people enjoy the odd freebie each year, but there are ways to stretch the value by collecting more points, saving more money and still getting the seats you want.
Play cards
Choose credit cards with generous mileage bonuses. "You could have a ticket that would cost £1,000 to buy simply by filling in a credit-card application form," says Rob Burgess, editor of headforpoints.com. With a perfect credit record, you can continually take out new ones, accrue the bonus miles and then cancel them.
Shop smart
Supermarket loyalty cards are also useful. Points collected on Tesco's Clubcard can be converted into British Airways or Virgin miles, and Tesco sometimes runs generous promotions. Last year, it offered 25,000 Clubcard points -- transferable for 60,000 airline miles -- for taking out a mobile-phone contract.
Perfect your timing
Rewards tickets are usually available about 360 days ahead of time. The earlier you book, the better chance you have of redeeming with the fewest points possible and getting the itinerary you want.
About two weeks before departure, airlines also post last-minute rewards deals for unsold seats.
Beware the add-ons
In the UK, hefty taxes and fuel surcharges can make some rewards tickets as expensive as the original fare. A British Airways business-class award seat from London to New York costs more than £500 in taxes and surcharges, for example, whereas an economy award seat is £350 (the same ticket can cost £400 in cash).
Evade the surcharge
To avoid extra costs, book business award seats on AirBerlin for flights to the US and Middle East with British Airways miles. These cost just £75 in tax and can be booked online. Likewise, Aer Lingus awards seats between the US and Ireland that can cost £75, but may only be booked by calling British Airways.
Choose your experience
Long-haul international flights in premium cabins offer greatest value. The longer you fly, the more value premium-class seats give in comfort, entertainment, meals and alcohol -- but the perks of first class may not be worth the extra points if all you want is unlimited alcohol and lie-flat seats, which are in business.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
