Wait for Last-Minute Tickets to Make Better Use of Frequent Flier Miles

Frequent flier miles can add up pretty quickly, and while traditional wisdom might caution it's best to use those to book flights months in advance, The New York Times suggests it might be best to wait for last-minute tickets instead.

Airlines don't release all the awards seats right away, and often wait until the last minute to add in frequent flier flyer seats. So, if you're having trouble finding a flight that works with your miles, you might be best off waiting. The New York Times explains:

While many frequent fliers score seats by booking a year in advance, airlines don't release all award seats that early, which means you may have better luck with a last-minute trip. Mr. [Jay] Sorensen said his company tried booking award tickets 5 to 15 days in advance, and generally found better availability than searching months ahead. Except for holiday travel, my experience confirms that tip...

A drawback of last-minute awards: American, United and US Airways charge up to $75 for booking less than 21 days in advance, which may be waived if you have elite status. Delta doesn't charge a late fee.

While booking at the last minute certainly isn't ideal for everyone, it's worth considering if you have a lot of unused miles. Head over to the Times for a few more ideas on making better use of your miles and awards.

How to Get a Seat Out of Your Miles | The New York Times

Photo by Karl Baron.

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/qHlRb8Mld2s/wait-for-last+minute-tickets-to-make-better-use-of-frequent-flier-miles

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