Travel Hacking 101 | Leveraging Frequent Flyer Miles ✈️

[@NoraDunn]

Get started on your points and miles journey with Travel Freely today! It's FREE: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/travelfreely Thanks to Travel Freely for sponsoring this video! FREE NEWSLETTER: Daily Drop keeps you abreast of frequent flyer mile strategies, opportunities, and travel deals. I love it! www.dailydrop.com/sign-up?via=professional-hobo Check out their top credit card suggestions here: www.dailydrop.com/credit-cards-2?via=professional-hobo

[@christines1924]

I want to try Travel Freely so badly, but the amount.of personal info creeped me out and I left the site.

[@NoraDunn]

@@christines1924 Aw, that's too bad. What specifically tipped you over the edge in terms of the info they requested?

[@christines1924]

CC info. I didn't get past that point. I didn't bother to check security etc

[@iknowheis]

Downloaded… thanks

[@billroettgen7099]

As a,member of a dozen FF programs and well past a million miles with Delta (earned only by flying Delta), this is an excellent video by the best of the travel bloggers out there. Wow - bravo Nora!

[@NoraDunn]

WOW - thank you Bill! You made my day.

[@petgranny194]

This is very helpful. Please do produce more frequent flyer miles videos. I get so overwhelmed trying to figure it out that I have never used my miles!

[@NoraDunn]

You're not alone!

[@nikkolyn1122]

Yes please 🎉❤🎉

[@JD-happycamper]

Same here. I travel quite a bit and I'm very confused on how I can maximize my points. Currently have 4 points cards for travel. Been doing a lot of long-haul flights so need learn how to put those points to my best interest.

[@PegPaugh]

A video on common mistakes with reward points strategies would be so helpful!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@nomadjim]

Thank you, Nora! This was an excellent introduction to the world of frequent flyer miles. I've been accumulating and redeeming miles/points for many years, but still learning all the time. I've come to the same conclusion as you that when it comes to flights, using miles for business class tickets on long-haul flights is generally the best value. I used to scoff at flying business class but then realized I could use miles or miles + money to do it for free or at a price less than economy. I tried it once and now I'm spoiled. lol But I only do it on the really long long-haul flights, like those over 12 hours. Definitely would be interested to see future videos where you share your strategies for accumulating and redeeming. Cheers!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Jim! I also tend to prioritize using my miles for business class on overnight flights. Like you I try to make sure they're longer flights - like at least 8 hours.

[@ditcher33]

Love what you are doing! You are right, figuring out credit card perks require lots of time. I can't believe that people are still falling for that including me lol. But I recently made more money in same time investing in other things which was an eye opener. Now I see the credit card programs as a strategy game. It is still lots of fun!

[@NoraDunn]

Awesome! Glad you find it fun; it helps justify the time.

[@keningilbert]

Thanks Nora, awesome tips! Definitely interested in the other topics you mentioned: - Universal miles - Accumulation strategies - Redemption strategies - Special rules and tips to get the most value for miles - Specific programs and the best ways to use credit cards to level up your frequent flyer mile strategies

[@NoraDunn]

Awesome - thanks!! I'll get to work on them. :-)

[@nikkolyn1122]

Thanks so much Nora!!🎉

[@jackierinker2582]

I'm actually surprised you hadn't gotten to this topic before. Bring it all on.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha ha! You got it.

[@patvanwie4059]

I've been collecting and using FF Miles for years, but after watching this video I realized how much I DON'T know. So, yes, more videos like this. In particular I had no idea about the Airline Alliances and what that does for us as travelers.

[@NoraDunn]

Ooh - good to know! More content to come.

[@angierox6964]

You downloaded this video one year ago, it's December 2024 right now. I just downloaded the travel freely app. I'm super happy to have found you because reading all the small print that goes with frequent flyer miles, And all the other traveling deals and details is not my thing. I generally end up getting so confused and frustrated I just buy the ticket and hope for the best. Lol So thank you thank you!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Angie! I hope Travel Freely helps you to navigate these pitfalls. There's also a free daily newsletter called Daily Drop that can go a long way to helping you learn about miles strategies, and alert you to opportunities: www.dailydrop.com/sign-up?via=professional-hobo

[@johnschmit998]

Excellent video. While I have redeemed many miles over the years, this is a great introduction for the novice. Please drill down on some of the popular airline programs in future videos.

[@NoraDunn]

Will do - thanks!

[@sarseer6722]

Hi Nora! I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of award travel for 2024 and stumbled on this extremely helpful video. I appreciate your time and effort in this type of content and would LOVE more content like this! Thanks and best wishes for a travel-filled 2024!🎉

[@NoraDunn]

Thank you so much!

[@kittykathy9532]

Yes! More information on this topic please. I am quite a novice and don’t know where to even begin to understand this whole frequent flyer miles thing. I’m looking to get another credit card just to earn miles that I can use when I fly for vacations and I just don’t even know where to begin.😊

[@NoraDunn]

Check out Travel Freely! They'll help you pick the best credit card for your situation: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/travelfreely

[@indigosahara]

Yessssss yes yes yes!! Travel hacking has literally changed my life. It is so empowering to realize that you CAN afford to travel -- and travel in luxury -- without winning the lottery. Are you filming from a hangar? It looks like a plane hangar haha!

[@NoraDunn]

Ha ha! I was filming in a container hotel in Estonia! It's an old railway depot that got repurposed. Super cool place.

[@nikkolyn1122]

Wow, I was wondering if that was a real background. Super cool and authentiqué

[@christinabayma119]

Yes please, more details on travel hacking. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! Will do :-)

[@kimgrod]

Yes, please produce more content on accumulating miles.

[@NoraDunn]

Okay Kim - Thanks!

[@kayesena]

Fantastic video, Nora! I was familiar with most of this content, but found it a fabulous summary. I live in Australia, so know all about booking 10 or 11 months ahead to get a business class reward seat, and considering a bunch of options re what city to fly into when wanting to travel to either Europe or North America. And - yes! - it takes a ton of time It was heart breaking recently when, out of the blue, I had an emergency situation with my eye (only ONE WEEK) before I was due to holiday in Europe for 5 weeks. All with business class reward seats. Surgery was required and the holiday had to be cancelled. The surgeon cheerfully told me I would be safe to fly after one month. I knew there was no way I could rebook so soon. However, God be praised, I have been able to rebook for only 7 months later, which is better than 10 or 11! Btw - What are universal miles?

[@NoraDunn]

Good thing you were able to get replacement tickets! What a drag though. Here's a little known secret: there can also be last-minute availability too. This can pop up within 2 weeks to your departure date. So if you ever wanted to take a last minute hop over the ocean, it's worth a check!

[@ionlands_Marko]

I'd really like to know more practical tips about redemption. The biggest problem I noticed for myself is finding availability or rather the lack of it. As mostly a business traveller you are not really that flexible on travel dates. I was once super happy to find and book a Tokyo flight with miles, only to find out a couple months later that I had to cancel it because I had to move the flight. Then of course there was no more availability. ;) So it's really a pain. Accumulating points is easy, but redemption is really the difficult part.

[@NoraDunn]

I agree Mark - redemption is where the rubber hits the road. And depending on your flexibility (or lack thereof) with dates and airports, it's a slog. Also, time out to flying is a thing. Oftentimes you either need to book way in advance, or within 2 weeks of departure (when some airlines open up last minute seats based on cancellations etc).

[@pointstothemoon]

I’ve been watching travel hacking videos for almost two years. How is this is the first time I’m seeing your content? Shame on the YT algorithm. But glad I’m here now. Btw, I’m very proud of my 44K each redemption in J for two flying MSP-CDG-HAN. Can’t wait to see the lounge in Paris. But I’ve got a lot more to learn, so I’ll see you at your next video!

[@NoraDunn]

Awesome - thanks Marcus - and I'm glad you found me!

[@mjbalmmac1588]

Yes more content on how to max out points for travel.

[@NoraDunn]

Will do!

[@ReedManTX]

Thank you SO much for this video. I just subscribed to your channel and can't wait to check out your videos. This is so helpful! I would love to see videos on specific programs, like the AA Advantage program, or ways to maximize your miles. Thanks again for the great content! It's much appreciated!

[@NoraDunn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lucydeboxer2565]

Excellent video, thank you Nora! Would love to hear more on this topic. I'm particularly interested in hearing your thoughts on American Express Platinum points and travel.

[@NoraDunn]

Will do Lucy!

[@AVIONBLANC]

Yes, please. All of the content you suggest would be very helpful.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! Will do.

[@lindat1241]

Thank you so much for sharing your world travel experiences, tips and tricks. Please do continue to produce frequent flyer miles video and the like.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! More to come :-)

[@susandiekmann]

Just getting started with this, and have a couple of great credit cards. Just haven't taken a deep dive into the transferring points, paying attention to alliances, etc. Thanks for the tip about Travel Freely! I've signed up and will add cards soon. Please make more content on this!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Susan, and I hope you love Travel Freely!

[@maryfeeney5240]

i would love to see more videos like these Nora. Just discovered your videos a few days ago, and have been watching avidly. ( i live in Canada too.).

[@NoraDunn]

Awesome - thanks Mary! I'll get on it. :-)

[@janenuss6]

Great video! Would love to see more. Thank you 😊

[@NoraDunn]

You got it! Thanks!

[@Michelleamicheal]

Yes, please produce more about all of these topics!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Michelle! Will do.

[@shannonkendrick517]

Love this, thanks! More, please!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Shannon!

[@nircreemills]

Thanks Nora, I really appreciated the content of this video.

[@NoraDunn]

I'm so glad!

[@KarenRandall-r2f]

Wonderful video. Would love videos on any and all topics you mentioned! Starting to accumulate miles and just can’t seem to find tickets that work. So looking forward to your future videos!

[@keeliechamberland1735]

Yes please more deep diving into this topic. I have a Sapphire Preferred Chase Visa & an American Express Platinum. Trying to figure out best way to use points accumulated. Thx again for all your great content

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Keelie! Will do.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Great overview, Nora! I’m gonna check out Travel Freely - looks super useful!

[@NoraDunn]

It's great! (And it's free - no strings attached)!

[@annaheh2925]

Great video. Please continue to give more advice on this topic.

[@NoraDunn]

I'm on it, Anna! Thanks :-)

[@barbieminimalist3109]

Yes, more videos like this, please!

[@NoraDunn]

Will do. Thanks Barbie!

[@laurenhuss2293]

Thank you for your valuable information! It would be fantastic to hear your strategies for maximizing our point value. It seems as though they are not going nearly as far as they used to. Looking forward to your next installment in the series!

[@NoraDunn]

You're right about points not going as far as they once did. Programs regularly rejig valuations. That's why we have a phrase in this hobby: "earn em and burn em". Saving miles up for a rainy day doesn't always work out.

[@ejcash7234]

Very insightful video; glad this video touched based with taxes associated with "free point tickets". I use my points with Air Canada for coach tickets and the taxes are close to $500 Cad. Logically speaking, a coach for the same fare would be $450 taxes included. Redeeming points would not even be worth it. The best hack I found is if you wish to fly Business Class from Montreal to Athens you would save $2000 flying first to Toronto and then take a business flight to Toronto Athens. $6000 MTL-ATH vs $4000 TO-ATH with Air Canada.

[@NoraDunn]

Great hack - thank you! Indeed, redeeming miles is a whole job unto itself in terms of choosing the best routes for points and taxes. Aeroplan's dynamic pricing can also be frustrating to navigate.

[@Katiemac56]

I would love more videos on using frequent flier programs, especially universal miles. U have great travel videos!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Katie! Will do.

[@alexconde8514]

Thanks ! Great video! I’ve used a lot of Alaska FF plus I like their companion fare perk but that usually works for US travel. Now my husband and I are interested in travel to Europe more often. Would love a video on maximizing FF for that.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for the input! Working on it ;-)

[@bcloetta]

I love your travel videos! I especially appreciate the quick pace.

[@NoraDunn]

Awesome, thank you!

[@cindyk3076]

What a great explanation of how frequent flyer miles work!

[@NoraDunn]

Thank you so much, Cindy!

[@jeankaminsky7566]

This has been extremely helpful. I’m passing this along to everyone I know who travels!!

[@NoraDunn]

Awesome, thank you Jean!

[@Me-Wanis]

Keep it coming lady, you provide great content, and make simple to understand. I like you very much.

[@NoraDunn]

Thank you so much!

[@janscriptz1049]

More please!! I'm part of Star Alliance (miles never expire, plus their network is pretty extensive) but am oh so curious about Air Canada's Aeroplan, Virgin Atlantic & ANA's mileage programs. Can you specify which cards you recommend for both domestic & international mileage programs? Thanks.

[@NoraDunn]

The cards to recommend depends on your residency! For US cards, please check out Travel Freely - www.theprofessionalhobo.com/travelfreely

[@philshallat9043]

Yes! Yes! Accumulation videos! Redemption videos!

[@NoraDunn]

Ha! I'm on it :-)

[@judyedmonston7198]

Please continue this wonderful airline miles hacks. They are amazing.

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Judy!

[@harrietkarolidis9633]

Please teach us everything you know about travel! I need to learn as much as possible so I can travel more wisely in this economy!

[@NoraDunn]

You got it!

[@mrs.navaselaclassroom1190]

Definitely want to learn all your program know how on a variety of ways to afford business class flight using points. Thank you.

[@NoraDunn]

Awesome!

[@KMan-ye2kp]

Thank you for this. Very good information. Please make more videos regarding points accumulation strategies and usage.

[@NoraDunn]

Will do! Thanks

[@lauraday3163]

Great video! I'm especially interested in everything that doesn't take a credit card!

[@NoraDunn]

Good to know!

[@kimgrod]

Good info, Nora. Looking forward to more vids on travel hacking.

[@NoraDunn]

Thank Kim!

[@tmorrison5965]

I would like more in depth videos about every single thing you mentioned....I'm wanting to learn it all!!!!!!!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! I'll get right on it.

[@ElenaLara-934Gs]

Thank you, Nora! I would like to know if it makes sense to purchase extra miles when the airline is offering bonus miles with purchase.

[@NoraDunn]

Only very occasionally does it make sense to buy miles, and if you do, it's best to have an immediate plan to use them, just in case the program changes and the miles are devalued.

[@cynthiashearer-ec6gl]

Absolutely excellent!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Cynthia!

[@RichardSmoak]

Please do share more information and tips on FF Miles.

[@NoraDunn]

Will do!

[@nexusSix_237]

Yes Nora! MORE LIKE THIS

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! Will do.

[@stephanieetchells6667]

So helpful. More please

[@NoraDunn]

You got it!

[@ginnysack]

I'd love to hear more about "all of the above" regarding flyer miles.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha - you got it, Ginny!

[@craigmack012]

Great video, great information! I have traveled often and recently watched many travel KZbinr videos. You will now be one of my mainstays. I'd like more content on all of it! 😀 One question I have, which may not be in your best interest to answer, what is the difference between Award Wallet and Travel Freely? And, which is better? Keep the great content coming!!!

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks Craig! As for your question, Award Wallet helps track the points you have, where Travel Freely helps you accumulate more with personalized strategies!

[@104snowstorm]

Thanks for the video. I'm getting back into travel post-pandemic and have started earning points off a couple cards. Personally, I just have no idea where/how best to use the points, or when I have enough to make it a good time to redeem. Also, which booking portal? Every airline and cc has its own booking portal (not to mention third party sites) so I'm not sure where to even start comparing.

[@NoraDunn]

It's a lot of work to learn the ropes. Depending on where you're from, there are some really good websites to help. Prince of Travel (Canada) and Points Guy (USA) are good places to start.

[@KerryKelly-oh1if]

Please, please, please help me with understanding travel points! I have a travel credit card and am a member of a gazillion frequent flier programs. Have no idea what to do.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha! Thanks for the suggestion. I'll get to it!

[@sydtybil291]

Great content! I like and need the step by step tutorial content. Most of the miles and points content is too "in the weeds" for me to follow.

[@NoraDunn]

Interesting. I'll do my best to deliver!

[@lauriesteinhauser8768]

A good place to start would be to Google The Points Guys Beginner's Guide to Miles and Points. It really helped me as this travel hacking is confusing when you are just starting out.

[@plantbased2846]

Thank you for this introductory video. Can you do a video on the strategies and benefits of using frequent flyer miles for economy class tickets? i.e. not business class upgrade tickets. I always enjoy your content, :-)

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks! Good suggestion. I don't tend to use them for economy because the value per mile is generally much worse. But maybe doing a video helping people calculate this so they can decide for themselves might be good....

[@mv80401]

I've started searching for flights using a private window and or browser because prices tend to go up if I come back to a previous search. This might just be because of dynamic pricing but I suspect that "they got me".

[@NoraDunn]

Interesting! I did some research into this a number of months ago and it appeared that it was a myth that prices go up if you search multiple times. But it can't hurt, and you're right dynamic pricing can be squirrely!

[@eugeniagainous3177]

Thank You Nora!❤MORE PLEASE!🔥

[@NoraDunn]

Ha! You got it :-)

[@tanyabell6074]

How to search flights, using “in cognito “ mode etc.

[@NoraDunn]

I have a video about this! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZK1h4RomtB8kM0si=pO5x4xts1ZYwzDZM

[@josephinecronin1195]

Sadly that app isn’t available in UK. I know, I know, VPN but the offers aren’t available either

[@NoraDunn]

I know. I have the same problem in Canada!

[@CherylWatts]

I would love to learn more. I am from Canada

[@NoraDunn]

Will do, Cheryl! (me too) :-)

[@christinabayma119]

I noticed you used American Airlines in one of your examples. I’m a FF on AA but when looking for Travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve they aren’t linked or associated with AA. Boo Hoo. Of course they are affiliated with One World partners like British Airways. Any tips on cards or options to maximize rewards while still flying domestically with AA?

[@NoraDunn]

AA is a One World member! So you can use BA points to book AA flights.

[@franceenjeffrey1814]

I am unable to find travel freely app. Is it still available?

[@NoraDunn]

You can access it here: my.travelfreely.com/share?bref=phyt

[@steven_dekok]

I need to know everything! LOL! I'm 6-1 and an athletic 250#. Flying coach, even on short flights, is such a horrible experience. My wife and I are headed to Romania in March (from Sacramento, CA). We use a Chase United card to accumulate points. I currently have almost 100K points saved up.

[@NoraDunn]

You're well-positioned to make good use of those points! If you need extra help, feel free to consider the consulting service I link to in the description. princeoftravel.com/consulting/?

[@littlegreenie421]

Yussssssss...more more more! 😊 (PS its Lisa G from Bansko)

[@NoraDunn]

LISA!!!!!!! (I should have known by "yus" instead of "yes" LOL) More good stuff to come. Big hugs!

[@littlegreenie421]

​@@NoraDunn❤

[@isabelvaluja1108]

I have a bad back and cannot a afford business class. Which seats do you recommend. This is my first time available traveling to my mother land, Spain. Thank you.

[@NoraDunn]

It depends on the airline and the route. Check out SeatGuru and plug in your flight info - it will pull up the seat map and show you the best (and worst) seats!

[@isabelvaluja1108]

Thank you. You are above all the most informative KZbinr. I really appreciate your time and dedication to us.

[@NoraDunn]

@@isabelvaluja1108 Thank you SO much!

[@shoshanachavab]

This only seems to,apply to flights in and out of USA.

[@NoraDunn]

What only applies to flights in/out of USA?

[@shoshanachavab]

@@NoraDunn getting points using planes that going in and out of USA.

[@cumberlandite56]

I'm new to your videos, but I'm very curious, what kind of room are you in and what is all that strange equipment behind you? It looks very scientific.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha! This was filmed when I was spending a month in Estonia, staying at a container hotel! It's a refurbished train station, with repurposed sea containers put inside as hotel rooms! It was super funky.

[@carolineseither7734]

..oohh wow this was very interesting..... ...would like to test more ......so when you say you can't do These air Miles with credit cardsTricks only when you a US citizen......that Cover all other countries around the World?

[@NoraDunn]

I think something may have gotten truncated in your question, so I'm not entirely sure what you're asking. US citizens have the most frequent flyer mile credit card opportunities. Next up would be Canadians, then Australia and some European countries.

[@EricOnYouTube]

The airline I want to fly with is Lufthansa. I've got the Miles and More CC from Barkley's. So I am collecting points there. I have heard though that every once in a while, you can buy miles at reduced cost. Can you tell me how to find such things.... maybe even for Lufthansa? Thanks a ton, Nora!!! :)

[@NoraDunn]

If you want to be alerted for deals to buy miles, you'll need to sign up for the airline reward program's email newsletter. You can usually do so on your account page somewhere., perhaps in email preferences.

[@EricOnYouTube]

@@NoraDunn I'll check it out and OMG, how do you know all this stuff? Thanks a ton. :)

[@EarthHeart12]

More travel miles videos please.

[@NoraDunn]

Will do!

[@SpaceyStacy74]

Wow, I feel like giving up before I even get started.

[@NoraDunn]

Yeah, it's a lot. You can start off easy; getting a credit card that earns points and charging all your daily expenses to it (and paying it off in full each month of course) will passively earn you points for an aspirational flight. That's how I initially got started, years before I did the miles promotion thing where I got more serious.

[@SpaceyStacy74]

I was doing that through a major credit card offered at my credit union until I discovered that booking the flight I wanted through their site was going to cost much more than through the airline directly. Now I’m not sure if I should keep the card or go for another one. We have good credit and I don’t want to mess it up by opening and closing too many accounts.

[@NoraDunn]

@@SpaceyStacy74 I totally understand. If the credit card doesn't have any annual fees, then you could keep it and just not use it (or use it once a year to keep it "active), and apply for a different card that earns you airline points that can be redeemed through the airline websites. Travel Freely can help you choose the best card for your needs: my.travelfreely.com/share?bref=phyt

[@SpaceyStacy74]

Thank you, Nora.

[@seastheday956]

With Air Canada, your points need to be "miles traveled" to qualify for upgrades. That amounts to alot of flying in one yr because these points have expiry and will only then be used for products they have sponsor with.

[@NoraDunn]

I think you're confusing Aeroplan (Air Canada) points with status miles (SQM and SQD) which is what you need to earn "eUpgrades". The status miles can only be earned from flying with Air Canada, and status achievements operate on a year by year basis. But regular Aeroplan miles can be earned in a variety of ways (credit cards, eStore, etc) and don't expire as long as there is some activity in your account every year or two.

[@seastheday956]

@@NoraDunn yes. That is what I am saying. I have flown alot in past yr, but just shy 300 points to be Elite. Alot of money given to AC, but still not good enough to qualify for instant eupgrade. Now will have that luxury taken away by yr end...but oh,! I can still get crap from their "store". I don't care. I just want eupgrade to business.

[@NoraDunn]

@@seastheday956 eUpgrades are good, but you can still accumulate Aeroplan points and redeem them for business class flights. That's what I do.

[@seastheday956]

@@NoraDunn to do an automatic upgrade(not bid), you need to be Elite and aquire it by miles traveled. That takes alot.

[@gwenlong6379]

Hi Nora, love your videos. I’m just thinking of getting into travel miles, but, find it extremely confusing. I’m Canadian and find the limitations we have on offer in the world of travel miles compared to our American friends almost makes me think is it worth it? I definitely would like to see more videos on this topic and perhaps one for us Canadians as most videos are concentrated for the US citizen.

[@NoraDunn]

A great resource for Canadians is Prince of Travel! He has a website and KZbin channel, and I use both all the time! www.youtube.com/@PrinceofTravel

[@TravelingToday-yu9gv]

Great video! Thank you! (But my head hurts!) My wife and I are considering getting a points card after having used cashback cards for years. We get 1.5 - 2% cash back on our cards. I see some people give a dollar value to points but I still feel like when someone explained craps to me i.e. totally confused! If you can do something - or refer us somewhere - about are points really better than cash back on cards? While I know all points and cash back cards are different, a general basic yes or no would be wonderful. Maybe something approximate like if I'm getting 1.5% cash back, then on 10,000 that's $150. Depending on what I buy that might be 10,000 - 30,000 points. Are points obviously better than cash or not? Again, I know all cards and points are different but a ballpark guesstimate of something like you think you get at least a 50%+ benefit with points vs. what you'd get with cash back. Thanks!

[@NoraDunn]

Ha ha - I know you want some simple answers and guidelines, but I must preface anything I say with a big fat IT DEPENDS! In extremely (dangerously) general terms, you can get 2-4 cents of value per mile. So if you have a card with a signup bonus of 50,000 miles, that's up to $2k in flights (IF you are able to redeem them for max value...big if). If you get just 2 cents per mile in value on your points redemption, then that's equivalent to a cash-back card with 2%.

[@lorenalittlejohn7379]

Teaching us how to get best from the Alliance airlines would help. I have 65k points with United and my husband has 21k with Singapore air both on Star Alliance. 🤦🏻‍♀️ is there any way to use any of these points as one?

[@NoraDunn]

Unfortunately given that your respective points are in different programs, you might have trouble combining them...

[@lorenalittlejohn7379]

@@NoraDunn Thanks for your response. I was afraid of that. 😔 New subby! Enjoying your content, a lot useful information. 🙌🏽

[@NoraDunn]

@@lorenalittlejohn7379 Thanks Lorena!

[@ronmccabe3449]

When is Travel Hacking 201?

[@NoraDunn]

I'm taking a wee break from producing new content, but it's in the pipeline! In the meantime this article has a TON of information: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/frequent-flyer-miles-travel-hacking/

[@Rob_n_Chris]

Hi Nora, you do realize the possible scope of explaining frequent flyer miles, right? 3 alliances, how many airlines, how much fine print??! If you can come up with generally applicable advice (that isn't too obvious) then huzzah to you. I have two topics that are hopefully general enough. Collecting your frequent flyer points in the smallest number of plans is certainly the way to go (less likely to expire due to inactivity as well as having one big pool is worth far more than many accounts with not quite enough each). For instance Air Canada doesn't show flights to destinations it doesn't go to (for at least some destinations) even if another member of Star Alliance does. But then if I go to United, for instance, they will show the flight (which might include some legs with Air Canada), but they only have options for booking with dollars or their frequent flyer miles (not unreasonable). Another can of worms related to frequent flyer miles is Again, looking at Air Canada, it is possible to get to the first tier without flying at all on Air Canada (credit card, flying on Star Alliance, other offers), getting to a higher tier requires spending a certain number of dollars on Air Canada flights. Their are some benefits of course (priority boarding, free checked baggage - yes, I realize one of your schticks is never checking any baggage, lounge access - either as a limited number of passes or all the time..., faster accumulation of miles, maybe better access to actual humans when you try and call them. Of course, if you're flying business class - you don't need some of these benefits, and if you have an associated credit card you can get some of the benefits that way too. I guess if you are actually flying lots and lots (and not all in business class), then it could clearly be a benefit, and probably not hard to achieve. But if you're trying to hack your way to a better experience without that - is trying to get elite status worth it? or is it just a trap?

[@NoraDunn]

Thanks for weighing in! I don't tend to go for status, since I don't fly enough - and more specifically I don't fly enough with one airline - to qualify. I managed to qualify for Air Canada status in 2020 only because they had some big online promotions to help people get status without flying. It really depends on your travels. If you fly a lot in one area, then going for status has some decent perks. But even that varies by airline.

[@lauriesteinhauser8768]

Yes please more travel hacking videos. You talk sooo fast that it’s hard to keep up with you. Still very good information. Thanks!

[@NoraDunn]

Sorry for the quick pace. It's my style! I'll try to tone it down. You can also slow the playback speed.

[@lauriesteinhauser8768]

That's good to know. Still love your videos. I always learn something new and look forward to more. Safe travels!

[@rachelosteen8454]

More redemption videos please!!

[@NoraDunn]

Will do!

[@chrisgrant5127]

More redemption videos please...my points are accumulating quickly. Thanks

[@NoraDunn]

Will do Chris - thanks!

[@Kecarter1]

Universal miles???? Who knew please more Nora.

[@NoraDunn]

Ha! Will do.

[@kathygann7632]

This video is pretty old, 15 hours. I’d love to know more about all the topics you mentioned.

[@NoraDunn]

15 hours old lol! Is it out of date already? ;-)

[@andrewallen8764]

Super Duper😂😂

[@NoraDunn]

😆

[@haroldstewarttheblueshound3619]

Hi. I enjoy watching your videos, but I'd REALLY like to request that you please consider stop using this new editing technique of randomly & repeatedly pop-zooming in & out. I'm sorry, but it's so distracting that I can't even finish watching this video. I hope you're open to reconsidering your future editing approach. Thanks in advance, if so.

[@NoraDunn]

I'm sorry you feel that way. Thanks for the feedback.

[@coziii.1829]

I just pay cash no cards or miles I get business or first class .

[@NoraDunn]

Good for you!