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Starter Kit, Vol 3: How to Transfer & Redeem Your Hard-Earned Points
Description
It’s time to learn how to redeem those points and miles you’ve earned for travel … and while it might seem scary, this is the fun part! We walk through the basics of redeeming your points – including a step-by-step guide to transferring to partner airlines and hotels, which is (almost) always the best path. Plus, a primer on airline alliances, finding award availability, and some of our best ideas of how to redeem your points for maximum value for your next big trip.
Starter Kit is sponsored by Thrifty Traveler Premium, the world’s best flight deal service. Get $20 off your first year of Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal alerts - use promo code “START” at thriftytraveler.com/premium.
00:00 - Do we still get nervous transferring points?
02:30 - What should you earn: Points or miles?
04:50 - Using credit card points: Travel portals & transfers
09:00 - When it makes sense to transfer your points
12:30 - A primer on finding that all-important award availability
15:50 - Why knowing airline alliances & partnerships is key
20:00 - How to transfer points: A step-by-step guide
21:30 - Sign up for all your airline programs now!
30:05 - Our favorite programs and redemptions to get started
36:30 - How to NOT use your points and miles
42:00 - Your Vol. 3 Flight Plan!
Volume 3 Flight Plan:
- Set up all of your loyalty accounts as soon as possible
- Do your homework: Check for availability and all possible options before booking, including the travel portal and other partner airlines
- Get to know transfer partners, alliances, and partnerships
- Use the Flight Plan from Ep. 1: Use the flights first rule and be flexible
- Earn and burn: Use those points - they rarely go up in value
Related Episodes:
Ep. 5 - The 10 Commandments of Points & Miles
Ep. 66 - Airline Alliances Episode
Ep. 73 - The Current State of Award Availability in 2026
The Master List of Credit Card Transfer Partners
Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas
Video editing by Kyle Thomas
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
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Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.com
Get 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!
See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!
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