Use Your Airline Miles Wisely...

Getting the most out of your airline miles is often overlook by the romantic traveler. If you're planning on a luxury romantic vacation, take advantage of your frequent flyer miles BUT use them wisely.

Carriers are now less likely to give away those free upgrades, like first class seating. If you want to travel romantic style in first class you'll have to pay for it with either cash or use an excessive amount of airline miles.

Frequent flyer miles was initially constructed for the purpose off gaining loyalty with an airline; however, "times have changed". Airlines have partnered with a host of other airline companies and individuals are primarily looking for the best ticket deal rather than get some airline miles.

Flying first class to your romantic destination is fun and recommended; however, flying first class does come with a cost...and substantial at that! A first class seat to Europe could cost upwards of $7,000 while a coach ticket could cost $1200. Using your airline mileage could cost you upwards of 90,000 frequent flyer miles for a first class seat.

You do have a couple of options in obtaining first class seats at a relatively discounted price. One, purchase coach tickets then upgrade using your miles. You'll obtain more miles by purchasing the coach tickets and you will not have to shell out the large amount of miles for upgrading that are typically required for first class.

Secondly, if you don't want to use your miles or you don't have enough, you can purchase an upgrade. Go ahead and purchase coach tickets then purchase the additional upgrade to first class. You'll also have to watch the various restrictions for upgrades. Some airlines do not allow upgrades with certain coach tickets. Do a little homework before purchasing the coach tickets.

Also, some airlines have increased the upgrade fares. We don't want you shelling out money thinking you can get a later upgrade to first class when in reality it may cost you an arm and a leg. Again, do little homework with the airline you've chosen to fly with.

The Bottom Line, buy coach and use your airline miles for upgrades, contact us with your comments.

Craig Dahl - The Romantic Travel Expert

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We're also the Senior Editors for Love Quotes For You and Northwest Travel Tips; we've brought the Best of both worlds together, Love & Travel.