Travelling soon? Whether you're planning a quick getaway or the trip of a lifetime, here are some smart travel tips most people don’t know—but should. With the right moves, you can earn enough points and miles for a free flight, spend fewer points when booking, and even fly Business Class for the cost of Economy. Let’s dive in.
1. Sign Up for Frequent Flyer Programs (Even If You Don't Fly Often)
One of the biggest mistakes travellers make? Booking flights without a frequent flyer account. Even if you only fly occasionally, signing up is free and takes just minutes. Once you're in, you can start collecting points or miles on every trip, and even when you’re not flying.
Want to know the best frequent flyer programs to join, and the best cards to pair with them? Visit our Earn More Pointrs page to find:
-
Top credit cards for earning miles fast
-
Best cards for specific frequent flyer programs
-
Secret ways to earn more points through everyday spend
You might not realise it, but with the right setup, you could already be on your way to a free flight.
2. Earn Big Points Where You Least Expect It
Did you know you can earn up to 350% more points and miles just by choosing the right card when paying the Australian Taxation Office?
Yes, really. See how at this Pointr. It could be the most valuable payment you make all year.
But it doesn’t stop there.
-
Paying rent to a landlord who doesn’t accept credit cards? You can still earn points and miles. See how with this Pointr.
-
Running a business and paying wholesalers who only accept bank transfers? There’s a way to earn points on those payments too. Check out this Pointr.
These are the kind of overlooked opportunities that can quickly supercharge your balance.
3. Spend Fewer Points for the Same Seat (Even First or Business Class)
It’s not just about earning more — it’s about spending less.
Booking flights with points isn’t always simple. Different frequent flyer programs charge wildly different amounts for the exact same flight.
Example? Flying Sydney to London Business Class Return can cost you 520,200 points. But using the right airline loyalty program, it can be just 120,000 Airline Points. That’s a massive saving of 400,200 points — enough for another Business Class trip or flights for the whole family.
See the full details here: Spend Less to Fly Business to London
To explore more ways to spend fewer points, visit our Spend Less Pointrs. Simply enter your departure and arrival cities to compare the best options.
4. Timing Is Everything: Know When Award Seats Open
Most people don’t realise that the moment a flight becomes bookable with points depends on two things:
-
When the airline opens up bookings, and
-
When the frequent flyer program allows redemptions
Here’s the catch: These don’t always happen at the same time.
Sometimes, other airline programs can book your preferred flight up to a month earlier than your own loyalty program. By the time your booking window opens, all the best seats may be gone.
So how do you beat the crowd? Use Pointrs to check when airlines and loyalty programs open their booking windows. For example, see this Qantas Pointr that outlines key dates for award bookings.
Discover all the tips here: Travel Better Pointrs
5. Don’t Have Enough Points Yet? Combine & Transfer
If you’re just short of the points you need, don’t worry. There are often ways to transfer or combine points between loyalty programs or even between friends and family.
Visit Earn More Pointrs to find the easiest ways to top up your balance fast.
6. Even If You’re Paying Cash, You Can Still Save
Not ready to book with points? No problem.
Pointrs Travel lets you save up to 50% on hotels, activities, and more even when paying with cash. This is perfect when:
-
You don’t have enough points
-
You want to mix points + cash
-
You’re booking extra travel like hotels or tours
Visit: Pointrs Travel
Final Tip: Travel Smart, Not Expensive
You don’t need to be a frequent flyer or a points expert to fly smarter. With the right guidance, you can:
-
Earn points you never knew were possible
-
Spend fewer miles on better seats
-
Access premium travel perks without the premium price
Let Pointrs be your secret weapon for smarter travel.
Have questions or want personalised help?
You can always request a Personal Pointr — whether it’s to search for award seat availability or ask for advice on your next booking.
-
Try a Pointrs Seat Search to find available reward seats faster.
-
Or book a Pointrs Consult and let an expert guide you.
Want to see what your points can do for your next trip? Visit pointrs.com and start discovering smarter ways to travel today.
