Start here

Updated November 3, 2026

Start here

Award travel is easier than it looks once you get the order right: decide on the trip, find a seat you can actually book, compare it with cash, and only then move points. These guides follow that order.

If you’re new to award travel

1. Award travel for beginners: a practical first booking plan. The five steps of a first award booking, and the one mistake to avoid.
2. Cash or points? Compare the cost of an award trip. A simple way to tell whether a redemption is worth it.
3. How to search partner airline awards before you transfer. Confirming a seat is really bookable before moving points.

Booking flights

• Mixed-cabin awards: check every flight before booking
• Airline status or business class: which benefits apply?

Hotels

• Hotel points or cash? Compare the entire stay
• Hotel award cancellation: a before-you-book checklist

Crossing the Atlantic

• UK award flight surcharges: compare the full itinerary
• Open-jaw award trips across the Atlantic

Cruises

• Cruise loyalty programs: compare perks before picking a line

Earning points in the first place

Card and bank-points decisions are covered on our sister site, Points Professor, starting with its guide to credit card rewards for beginners.

Program rules change often. Check the official terms of the program you’re using before you act.