5 Ways to Get Free Flights

 Whether you’re looking forward to an exotic vacation or visiting family and friends, here are a few ways you could snag some free flights.

1. Earn Miles by Flying

Frequent flyers often have a stash of miles or points they can redeem for a free flight. To qualify for that, you’ll need to be a member of an airline’s loyalty program. Simply sign up for your preferred company’s frequent-flyer program and start earning miles.

Based on the cash price of your ticket, the airline will award you points you can redeem for miles. But how many miles does it take to get a free flight?

The exact answer depends on the specific company, destination (you'll get more points for flying abroad than within the US), travel dates (generally, flying during peak times may require more points), and ticket class.

There's a catch with international flights, though. Even though your flight will be free of charge once you redeem points, you might still have to pay fuel surcharges and taxes, ranging from a few to several hundred dollars. 

2. Earn Points Using Travel Credit Cards

If you don’t fly frequently, earning points might seem slow. Fortunately, there are credit cards with travel rewards to help you rack up points when shopping, which you can then redeem for free flights. Other than that, some banks offer free checked bags, priority boarding, or even hotel vouchers, which are very important to business travelers; namely, statistics say accommodation takes up 13% of a business traveler’s budget.

Travel cards usually offer attractive sign-up bonuses, often in the form of points or miles, when you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening an account. For example, with the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card, you can get 1.5 points for every dollar you spend. On top of that, the bank offers 25,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Pay your balance in full and on time every month to avoid interest charges and late fees, which can offset the value of your points. Also, instead of simply inquiring about free plane tickets when you apply for a travel card, be sure to assess the annual costs. Some cards waive the annual fee for the first year, while others may offer points or miles that can offset the cost of the fee.

Here are some examples of the best credit cards for earning miles points for different airline companies to help you get an idea of what’s available:

3. Earn from Cancellations

Here’s yet another tip on how to get free airplane tickets: If you get bumped from your flight or it gets canceled, you could be eligible for a voucher for future travel. The voucher is typically worth more than the cost of your ticket, so it’s basically like getting free money. With anywhere from $100 to $1,000 in vouchers, you'll be able to fly for free or at a deeply discounted rate in the near future.

4. Opt for Free Companion Tickets

Some airlines offer free companion tickets to elite members, usually for family members. Even though you'll have to pay for the first ticket, the second one will be free. For example, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card assigns free airline tickets for a companion on every account anniversary. This is a great way to save money: If you're planning on flying with someone else, you can share the cost of the first ticket.

Do keep in mind, however, that most airlines have blackout dates and other restrictions on free companion tickets, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.

5. Get a Job With an Airline Company

If you've always been wondering, “Do flight attendants get free flights?” the answer is yes. As an airline employee, you will most likely get “buddy passes” that you and your immediate family can use to travel for free. And if you get laid off, you’ll usually be given a certain number of free flights as well. So if you’re looking for a new career, the airline industry might be an excellent option to consider.

The Bottom Line

There are several ways to get free or discounted flights if you know where to look. From earning miles and taking advantage of your travel rewards points, to getting a job with an airline, there are plenty of opportunities to get discounted or even free flights to exotic locations. Start planning your next trip and see how much you can save with these tips.