Guides
Long-form guides to the strategy and mechanics of points and miles.
A Beginner's Guide to Frequent Flyer Miles
How frequent flyer miles work, how to earn them quickly, and how to redeem them for outsized value on long-haul premium cabins.
GuideThe Best Credit Cards for Airline Miles in 2026
Compare the best transferable-points cards and co-branded airline credit cards for earning miles in 2026.
GuideHow to Redeem Miles for Business Class
A practical walkthrough of finding business class award space and redeeming for maximum value across the major airline alliances.
GuideStar Alliance vs oneworld vs SkyTeam: Which Is Best?
Side-by-side comparison of the three big global airline alliances: routes, member airlines, status reciprocity, and award value.
GuideHow to Avoid Frequent Flyer Program Devaluations
Tactics for protecting your miles when airlines devalue their award charts overnight.
GuideBest Airline Status Matches and Challenges (2026)
A current list of airline status match and status challenge programs you can pursue in 2026.
GuideUnderstanding Airline Award Fuel Surcharges
Why some award redemptions cost hundreds in cash even when the miles seem cheap, and how to avoid the worst of them.
GuideBest Airport Lounges for Elite Status Travelers
Top airline lounges around the world that elite frequent flyers can access via alliance status.
GuideHow to Earn Miles Without Flying
Credit card rewards, shopping portals, dining programs, and other ways to earn airline miles without ever boarding a plane.
GuideTransferable Points vs Airline Miles: Which Should You Earn?
Why most frequent travelers should focus on flexible bank points rather than tying themselves to a single airline.
GuideThe Best Alliance Partners for American AAdvantage Miles
Which oneworld and non-alliance partners offer the best redemption value with American AAdvantage miles.
GuideHow to Find Award Flight Availability
A practical workflow for searching premium-cabin award space across multiple airline alliances.