The Points Strategy Most People Skip

Everyone focuses on the big signup bonuses and massive business class redemptions. Once you book your trip on points, you’re excited and happy, but you never look at those flights again. You could potentially be leaving better options at the table by evaluating last-minute flights for your trip.

This week, I found business class seats from New York to Marseille for a client - departing on Friday.

British Airways Business Class: 63,000 points + $284 (transferred to Cathay Pacific)
Retail value: ~$3,500

Brussels Airlines Business Class
70,000 points + $85 (transferred to Air Canada)
Retail value: ~$3,300

Airlines release award space late. Business travelers cancel. And many other factors play into a seat not being available 3 months ago now showing up. Here's how to actually use benefit without needing to be spontaneous:

Book a refundable placeholder, then hunt.

Lock in your dates with a refundable cash ticket or flexible points booking in the cabin you want. Set award alerts on your favorite award search tool (or poke around yourself every once in a while) When space opens up, book the award and cancel the placeholder.

You've turned a last-minute opportunity into something you planned for all along.

I did this exact strategy for a Brussels business class trip a few years ago during New Years. I booked an economy flight on points for the return and 7 days beforehand, found business class instead. Full breakdown here.

The availability is out there - if you’ve booked your trip, but know there is a better flight out there, keep monitoring for it. You can do it yourself, or just hire me to do it for you.

Did you know there’s an easier way to save when booking with cash?

Sky Key can automatically rebook your domestic flights when there’s a price drop so you don’t have to monitor at all. Some of you have already saved hundreds of dollars and points - I myself have saved ~$150 so far on flights. Sign up for free now! (they take 25% of the savings they get you, so you only pay when you save).

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Matthew: World of Hyatt Business | Capital One Venture X

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About WuhooPoints

WuhooPoints focuses on the credit card consultation side of Wuhoo Group. We help you unlock the power of your credits cards for free luxury travel.