The points cheat sheet

Book any airline
with the
right partner

The airline you want to fly is rarely the program you should book it through.
YouI've got points but I always feel like I'm overpaying. What's the trick?
ScoutSame seat, different program, wildly different price. Three simple rules, color-coded.
YouOkay... so what's green?
ScoutGreen means book it through a partner. That's where the big savings live.
Book via a partner
✓UnitedAeroplanorLifeMilesorAir India
✓Lufthansa SWISS · AustrianLifeMiles
✓ANA JapanVirgin Atlantic
✓AmericanAlaska
✓Qatar QsuitesQatar AviosorAmerican
✓Japan AirlinesAmerican
✓Cathay PacificAmericanorAsia Miles
✓DeltaVirgin Atlantic
YouAnd what's yellow?
ScoutYellow? Don't chase a partner, just book these on their own program.
Just book direct
•SingaporeKrisFlyer
•Air France & KLMFlying Blue
•Korean AirSkyPass
•IberiaIberia Plus
•TurkishMiles & Smiles
•EmiratesSkywards
•JetBlueTrueBlue
YouAnd red?
ScoutRed means careful, this one's a trap.
Careful: British Airways

BA's own long-haul is a surcharge trap on almost every program. Put your Avios on Iberia or Aer Lingus instead, or use it only for short hops within Europe.

Common questions

How should I book United flights with points?
Book United through a Star Alliance partner such as Air Canada Aeroplan, Avianca LifeMiles, or Air India rather than United directly. The same seat often costs fewer miles through a partner program.
What is the cheapest way to book Delta flights with points?
Book Delta flights through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which is usually cheaper than Delta SkyMiles for the same seat. Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) and Korean Air SkyPass also work.
How do I book ANA business class with points?
Book ANA through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. It prices ANA business class far lower than Star Alliance programs like United or Aeroplan for the same flight.
How do I book Qatar Airways Qsuites with points?
Book through Qatar Avios or American AAdvantage. Qatar's own Avios program has the best Qsuite availability and low fees from the US; American offers free award changes.
Should I book British Airways flights with Avios?
Avoid British Airways' own long-haul flights, which carry heavy fuel surcharges on almost every program. Put your Avios toward Iberia or Aer Lingus instead, or use it only for short hops within Europe.
Which airlines should I just book directly on their own program?
Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer), Air France/KLM (Flying Blue), Korean Air (SkyPass), Iberia (Iberia Plus), Turkish (Miles & Smiles), Emirates (Skywards), and JetBlue (TrueBlue). For these, booking through a partner usually will not save you money.
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