Use miles to travel with great discounts!

Who hasn't dreamed of taking that dream trip on a budget? The good news is that it's entirely possible when you understand how the world of travel works. airline milesWhat many people don't know is that, with planning and strategy, it's possible to use miles to travel almost for free, paying only boarding fees and other minor costs.

Miles aren't just a benefit for frequent flyers. Today, they're available to anyone who uses a credit card, shops at partner stores, or fills up their car at certain gas stations. The secret lies in learning how to accumulate them and, most importantly, how to use them wisely.

What are miles and how do they work?

Miles are points accumulated in airline and bank loyalty programs. With every credit card purchase, trip taken, or service used with partners, consumers accumulate points that can be converted into airline tickets.

These points have an expiration date, so it's important not to let them sit idle. They can be transferred to airline programs, exchanged for products, or, most advantageously, used for issue tickets.

How to accumulate miles faster

1# Credit cards
A credit card is the best ally for those who want to accumulate miles. By concentrating spending on the card, each purchase turns into points. The higher the amount spent and the better the card program, the more points are generated.

2# Transfer promotions
Banks and airlines often offer bonus transfer promotions. This means that when you transfer points from your card to their frequent flyer program, you can earn up to 100% in extra points.

3# Purchases from partners
Several chain stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and even delivery apps are loyalty program partners. When you shop at these locations, you earn points in addition to the product.

4# Miles Club Subscriptions
Loyalty clubs offer monthly points rewards upon subscription. They often offer accumulation bonuses and access to exclusive promotions, further accelerating the process of earning miles.

How to use miles to travel almost for free

1# Issue airline tickets
The most advantageous use of miles is to purchase tickets. Depending on the destination, you can find flights that are much cheaper than using cash. In some cases, you can purchase international tickets with enough miles to cover only the boarding fee.

2# Take advantage of redemption promotions
Airlines frequently run promotions where flights can be redeemed for up to 50% in miles. Those who pay attention to these opportunities can save a lot.

3# Plan ahead
Booking your tickets months in advance increases your chances of finding good fares using miles. Those who leave it until the last minute end up spending more points.

4# Flexibility in dates
Being flexible with travel dates is a huge advantage. Often, changing your departure or return journey by a day or two can cut the number of miles needed in half.

Practical examples

Imagine a ticket from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro costs R$1,000 in cash. In the frequent flyer program, this same route can be issued for 5,000 miles + R$1,000 in boarding fees. This means traveling for only R$1,000 in cash.

On international routes, the difference is even greater. A trip to Miami that would cost R$ 3,000 can be issued for 35,000 miles + R$ 300 in taxes, representing a huge savings.

Benefits beyond tickets

Miles can also be used to:

  • Book hotels with discounts.
  • Rent cars when traveling.
  • Buy products from partner stores.
  • Upgrade your flight class.

While the best way to use it is for flights, these alternatives can also help you save on other aspects of your trip.

Common mistakes when using miles

1# Let points expire: each program has different deadlines, and many end up losing miles through carelessness.
2# Using miles for products without analyzing: often, exchanging for electronics or appliances is not worth it, as the cost in points is high.
3# Issue at the last minute: the closer to the travel date, the greater the number of miles required.
4# Not taking advantage of promotions: Transfers with bonuses and promotional redemptions make all the difference.

How to get started now

If you've never used miles before, the first step is to sign up for a loyalty program, usually free. Then, focus your purchases on a card that accumulates points and keep an eye out for transfer promotions.

Even with minimal spending, it's possible to accumulate points little by little and, with planning, convert those points into trips. The secret lies in discipline and information.

A constant learning

Using miles to travel for almost free is more than just a possibility: it's a strategy anyone can learn. With planning, paying attention to promotions, and organization, you can transform everyday purchases into unforgettable experiences.

The world of miles may seem complicated at first, but it quickly proves to be a practical way to save on travel. After all, who wouldn't want to fly to their dream destination while paying only the boarding fees?

Whether for domestic or international travel, understanding how to use miles opens the door to a life with more freedom, experiences, and, of course, savings.

See also: Hopper shows the best days to travel for less

Published on August 29, 2025