First off it’s important to note that Air Miles offers Cash Miles and Dream Miles.
If your priority is to get discounts on flights—or potentially to fly for free—then you’re better off signing up for Dream Miles.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to how many Air Miles it will take to fly to your dream destination.
Mostly because unlike other rewards programs like Aeroplan, Air Miles doesn’t have a redemption chart indicating how many points you need for specific flights.
The only way to find out how many Dream Miles you need for your next flight is by using Air Miles’ travel tool.
You can search for flights by destination and date, and select ‘Dream Miles’ as your payment preference to find the best deals.
The monetary value of your Dream Miles will depend on a variety of different factors, including the time of year that you’re traveling, how far ahead you’re booking your flight, and the distance you’re flying.
On average, the value of one Air Miles Dream Mile is somewhere between 10 and 12 cents.
Tips for Maximizing Your Air Miles
1. Use Airline Credit Cards and Partners
Take advantage of partner programs: Air Miles has partnerships with hotels, car rental agencies, and retail stores.
Using these partners can earn you additional Air Miles.
Use co-branded credit cards: There are co-branded credit cards that offer flexible rewards.
These cards allow you to earn more Air Miles for every dollar spent, and often come with sign-up bonuses and perks like free checked bags and airport lounge access.
Two of the most popular co-branded Air Miles credit cards in Canada are the BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard and the American Express Air Miles Platinum Credit Card.
Compare the benefits and fees of airline credit cards before applying.
Consider your travel habits and preferences to find the card that suits your needs.
2. Plan in Advance
Planning in advance is crucial for maximizing your Air Miles.
Here are steps to help you plan and make the most of your rewards:
- Research travel destinations and choose potential dates.
- Check for any blackout dates.
- Look for off-peak travel periods to take advantage of lower mileage requirements.
- Be flexible with travel dates and destinations to increase flight availability and redemption options.
