Starter Kit, Vol 3: How to Transfer & Redeem Your Hard-Earned Points

It’s time to learn how to redeem those points and miles you’ve earned for travel … and while it might seem scary, this is the fun part! We walk through the basics of redeeming your points – including a step-by-step guide to transferring to partner airlines and hotels, which is (almost) always the best path. Plus, a primer on airline alliances, finding award availability, and some of our best ideas of how to redeem your points for maximum value for your next big trip. Watch us on YouTube!Starter Kit is sponsored by Thrifty Traveler Premium, the world’s best flight deal service. Get $20 off your first year of Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal alerts - use promo code “START” at thriftytraveler.com/premium. 00:00 - Do we still get nervous transferring points? 02:30 - What should you earn: Points or miles? 04:50 - Using credit card points: Travel portals & transfers09:00 - When it makes sense to transfer your points12:30 - A primer on finding that all-important award availability15:50 - Why knowing airline alliances & partnerships is key20:00 - How to transfer points: A step-by-step guide21:30 - Sign up for all your airline programs now!30:05 - Our favorite programs and redemptions to get started36:30 - How to NOT use your points and miles42:00 - Your Vol. 3 Flight Plan!Volume 3 Flight Plan: Set up all of your loyalty accounts as soon as possibleDo your homework: Check for availability and all possible options before booking, including the travel portal and other partner airlinesGet to know transfer partners, alliances, and partnershipsUse the Flight Plan from Ep. 1: Use the flights first rule and be flexibleEarn and burn: Use those points - they rarely go up in valueRelated Episodes:Ep. 5 - The 10 Commandments of Points & MilesEp. 66 - Airline Alliances EpisodeEp. 73 - The Current State of Award Availability in 2026The Master List of Credit Card Transfer Partners Produced and edited by Sylvia Thomas Video editing by Kyle Thomas Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on… Instagram YouTube Facebook Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.