pls explain how airmiles work...

[scojos]

as a follow on to my tesco question. could someone please explain how airmiles work, can i part exchange with any company, or is it only certain companies that accept them?
help me, please
tracy

 

[grannyed]

Hello. I have my tesco clubcard points changed into airmiles...

Over the last year or so I have become more aware and made an effort to collect more.

I have used them twice for 'big' gains - well 'big' in my little world.

The first time I used them I didn't have enough for flights so on a 5 day break to Boston I bought the plane tickets ( with real money) - then used the airmiles to pay for our hotel..and I had enough 'miles' to make the hotel 'free' Our flights were with British Airways on this occasion and I did a quick check round and the price I paid was similar to what was being offered elsewhere.

Last year we did a 4 week fly drive to California, and again I paid for the flights but I got the car hire - inc all taxes, insurance etc. - 'free' with the airmiles. This time we flew with Virgin and again I checked round and the prices were similar so I was happy with that.

You contact 'airmiles' and they do the flight bookings or you can book online - I found with Virgin last year I was still able to go in and select my seats etc.

I just used to use the Tesco clubcard points but now that I am more aware I also have the Lloyds/TSB airmiles CC (we pay off every month so interest rates aren't a problem)....and we have also taken out the tesco clubcard cc...the Lloyds/TSB one isn't accepted everywhere because it is AMEX.

You can also book package holidays through airmiles...not sure if you can use 'miles' in payment since I have never wanted to.......but ...up to now I have found that they will pricematch other quotes and they don't charge a cc surcharge and you earn miles on what you've spent.......as I did with buying the flights mentioned above.

I look out for 'airmiles' deals now in other places .

I am sure that other people will know of different ways/shemes which may work better for them but I am happy enough with airmiles.