Ever since I landed my first free flight to Tokyo using nothing but airline miles, I\if you dine out often, link a card to dining rewards. I remember scoring a round-trip to Paris just by charging groceries on my Amex. The key? Consistency. Small, daily actions build up faster than you\transfer them to United for a transatlantic flight. I once flew business class to Sydney for 80,000 points, saving over $5,000. But watch out for devaluations. Programs change rules overnight, slashing point worth. Stay nimble by joining online forums; communities like FlyerTalk alert you to flash sales. And never hoard points indefinitely. Use them within two years to avoid expiration. Remember, it\but airlines often claw back bookings. Stick to legitimate tactics, like family pooling where you combine points with relatives. I helped my sister book her honeymoon flight this way. Also, diversify your portfolio. Don\mix in hotel points or cash-back options. Last year, I used a combo of Marriott points and airline miles for a free week in Thailand. The thrill isn\you\flights? They always add up for me.
Love the real-life examples. Could you share more on avoiding point devaluation? I lost a bunch last year.
What\s your top tip for someone new to this? I\m overwhelmed by all the programs out there.
Do you recommend any specific credit cards for beginners? I travel domestically mostly.
How often do you check for award space changes? Daily feels excessive, but I don\t want to miss out.
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