Great question — here are the highest-impact strategies people use to get the most value and reliability when booking flights with points, plus short, actionable steps you can follow.

Top strategies (what to do and why)

1. Use flexible/transferable points whenever possible

• Keep points in transferable currencies (Chase UR, Amex MR, Capital One, Citi) so you can move them to the program that gives the best award pricing. Always confirm award space with the airline partner before you transfer — transfers are often irreversible. (thepointsguy.com)

2. Search award availability before you move points

• Use the airline’s award search pages and partner sites to find “saver”/low-level awards, then transfer your points. Don’t transfer blindly. (If you can’t find space online, call the program to confirm.) (money.usnews.com)

3. Use the best program for the route — not necessarily the airline you’ll fly

• Some partner programs price the same flight far cheaper or avoid fuel surcharges (e.g., Avianca LifeMiles, United/Aeroplan for many Star Alliance flights). Compare several partners for the route before booking. (thepointsguy.com)

4. Book one-ways and mix-and-match programs

• Booking one-way awards (two one-ways) lets you combine programs by leg, pick the cheapest program for each direction, use different cabins, and rebook a single leg without losing the whole trip. This increases options and flexibility. (point.me)

5. Watch taxes, fees and fuel surcharges (YQ)

• Some carriers (British Airways, Lufthansa, etc.) add heavy YQ on award tickets. You can often avoid these by booking the same flight with a different frequent‑flyer program that doesn’t pass on YQ (or by routing differently). Always check the total out‑of‑pocket cost, not just miles. (nerdwallet.com)

6. Use award-search tools and alerts

• Set alerts or use award-search aggregators (ExpertFlyer, point.me, seats.aero, etc.) to monitor specific flights/routes — they’ll notify you when saver space opens or when cancellations free up seats. Double-check results on the airline’s site before transferring or booking. (thepointsguy.com)

7. Time your searches: early + last-minute opportunities

• Many programs open inventory ~330–360 days out, so set reminders and be ready to pounce. Also watch for last-minute releases (some premium seats are released within 14–30 days). Flexibility on dates and airports hugely helps. (connect.point.me)

8. Leverage transfer bonuses and airline promos

• Banks and loyalty programs often run transfer bonuses (e.g., +15–50%) and airline promo awards (Flying Blue Promo Rewards) — these can reduce the points needed dramatically. Plan transfers around these promotions when possible. (thepointsguy.com)

9. Use stopovers/open-jaws and sweet spots

• Some programs allow free/cheap stopovers or have routing “sweet spots” that give big value (Alaska, Singapore, Aeroplan, Turkish, etc.). Learn the stopover rules for the program you plan to use — you can often see two cities for the price of one. (milesopedia.us)

10. Know hold/cancel/redeposit and close‑in rules

• Some programs let you hold award space (varies by airline) or have short hold windows — policies changed recently for some programs (e.g., AAdvantage reduced hold windows). Know the program’s cancellation and redeposit fees before you book. If holds are short, have your points ready or be prepared to transfer instantly. (thepointsguy.com)

11. Use points where they get the most value

• Generally, points deliver the most value on long-haul premium cabins, last‑minute expensive fares, and when cash fares spike. Avoid using points for cheap, short domestic economy flights unless you’re clearing expiring balances or convenience matters. Do the cents‑per‑point math if you’re unsure. (cnbc.com)

Quick actionable checklist (when you’re ready to book)

• Step 1: Search the route on the airline and at least two transfer partners for saver availability.
• Step 2: Compare total cash + taxes/fees for each option (not just miles).
• Step 3: Check for current transfer bonuses or Promo Rewards for your