What happens to reward points/miles when a flight is rebooked?

Understanding reward points/miles

Reward points/miles are incentives given by airlines to their frequent flyers or loyal customers for using their services. These points/miles can be redeemed for various benefits such as free flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and much more. However, when a flight is rebooked, many travelers are left wondering what happens to their accumulated reward points/miles. In this article, we will explore different scenarios of flight rebooking and how they affect reward points/miles.

Scenario 1: Flight rebooking within the same airline

When a flight is rebooked within the same airline, the reward points/miles earned for the original booking will be automatically transferred to the new booking. However, if the new booking is within a different fare class, the number of reward points/miles earned may differ. Some airlines may even offer bonus reward points/miles for rebooking a flight within their network.

Scenario 2: Flight rebooking with a different airline

If a flight is rebooked with a different airline, the reward points/miles earned for the original booking may not be transferable. In this case, travelers should contact the airline’s loyalty program to check if they have any partnerships with the new airline. If so, they may be able to transfer their reward points/miles to the new airline. However, this may come with a fee or restrictions on the number of reward points/miles that can be transferred. It is important to note that not all airlines have partnerships with each other, so it is best to check beforehand.

Scenario 3: Flight cancellation and reward points/miles

In case of a flight cancellation, the reward points/miles earned for the original booking will be reinstated to the traveler’s account. However, some airlines may charge a fee for the cancellation of a flight, which may also result in the loss of reward points/miles.

Scenario 4: Flight delay and reward points/miles

If a flight is delayed, the reward points/miles earned for the original booking will not be affected. However, some airlines may offer bonus reward points/miles as compensation for the inconvenience caused by the delay.

Factors affecting reward points/miles after flight rebooking

The number of reward points/miles earned after flight rebooking depends on various factors such as the fare class of the new booking, the airline’s loyalty program, and the duration of the flight.

Policies of different airlines on reward points/miles

Different airlines have different policies regarding reward points/miles. Some airlines may offer more flexible policies while others may have strict rules regarding the transfer and redemption of reward points/miles. Travelers should check with the airline’s loyalty program to understand their policies.

Tips for preserving reward points/miles after flight rebooking

To preserve reward points/miles after flight rebooking, travelers should make sure to book flights within the same airline or check if the new airline has any partnership with their current airline. They should also check the loyalty program’s policies before making any changes to their flight bookings.

How to redeem reward points/miles after flight rebooking

To redeem reward points/miles after flight rebooking, travelers should check the airline’s loyalty program for redemption options such as free flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and much more. They should also check if there are any restrictions on the redemption of reward points/miles.

Common mistakes to avoid in managing reward points/miles

Common mistakes to avoid in managing reward points/miles include not checking the loyalty program’s policies, not booking flights within the same airline, and not redeeming reward points/miles before they expire.

Conclusion: Maximizing reward points/miles after flight rebooking

In conclusion, reward points/miles are valuable incentives offered by airlines to their frequent flyers or loyal customers. When a flight is rebooked, the number of reward points/miles earned may differ depending on various factors. By understanding the policies of the airline’s loyalty program, travelers can maximize their reward points/miles and enjoy the benefits of their loyalty.