How Do You Get Travel Points and What Can You Do to Maximize Them?

Travel points, also known as loyalty points or frequent flyer miles, are a fantastic way to make your journeys more affordable and enjoyable. We’ll explain how to earn them and share practical tips to help you get the most value — so you can travel smarter. If you’re unsure about what travel points are or what you can do with them, you can learn more on our blog: Here

‍

How Do You Earn Travel Points?

There are several common ways to collect travel points, and it often involves more than just flying:

1. Flying with Partner Airlines

Most airlines have frequent flyer programs where you earn points based on the distance you fly and the ticket class. Flying business or first class earns you more points than economy. Also, booking flights with partner airlines within the same alliance (such as Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam) can help you accumulate points faster.

2. Using Credit Cards

Many UK banks offer credit cards linked to airline loyalty programs or general rewards programs. Using these cards for everyday purchases — groceries, bills, travel expenses — helps you rack up points steadily. Some cards even offer sign-up bonuses that can give your points balance a quick boost.

3. Shopping and Dining

Certain loyalty programs partner with retailers, restaurants, and online stores. By shopping through these partners or dining out, you can earn extra points on top of your usual spending.

4. Booking Hotels and Car Rentals

You can earn points by booking hotels or rental cars through airline partners or their travel portals. Many frequent flyer programs work with major hotel chains like Marriott or Hilton, and car rental companies like Avis or Hertz.
Just enter your frequent flyer number when booking, and check that your reservation qualifies for points.

5. Special Promotions and Bonuses

Airlines and loyalty programs regularly run promotions where you can earn extra points or double points on specific routes or activities. Keeping an eye on these offers is a great way to grow your balance faster.

How Can You Maximize Your Travel Points?

Collecting points is one thing, but making sure you get the most value from them is another. Here are some important strategies:

Plan Ahead and Set Goals

Decide what you want to use your points for — whether it’s a long-haul business class ticket, a hotel stay, or a short getaway. Having a clear goal helps you focus on collecting the right type of points and avoid wasting them on less valuable rewards.

Book the Right Fare Classes

Some tickets earn more points than others. For example, fully flexible or premium class tickets usually give you more points. Understanding fare classes and booking smartly can significantly increase your earnings. Here, it can be beneficial to have an expert help you in order to see which class gives you the most points.

Use Points for High-Value Rewards

Not all rewards offer the same value per point. Generally, booking business or first class flights gives you the best bang for your points compared to economy flights or merchandise. Be selective about how you redeem your points.

Combine Points from Different Sources

Some programs allow you to pool or transfer points from different accounts — credit cards, family members, or partners. This helps you reach your redemption goals faster. If you'd like to learn how to transfer, gift or buy points, read our blog.

Keep Track of Expiry Dates

Points often expire if your account is inactive or after a certain time. Stay aware of these rules to avoid losing your hard-earned points.

Summary

Earning travel points comes from flying, spending on the right credit cards, and making use of partnered retailers, hotels, and promotions. Maximizing those points requires planning, understanding fare classes, smart redemption, and sometimes expert help.

With a clear strategy, travel points can unlock memorable experiences and premium travel that might otherwise be out of reach.