Naturally, when someone hears “FREE FLYING” the internal Scam-Alert alarm goes off. I get it, trust me, I really do.  When I first read of the ability to fly and travel free I was a skeptic, and I remained a skeptic until I booked my first free airline tickets to Maui!

Because I completely understand the skepticism and need for more information I thought it was time to put together a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about traveling free!

Disclosure: There are affiliate links below, which means if you purchase I receive small compensation to keep this blog running

Below are the top FAQ’s I hear when others learn I fly free:

Can you help me find cheap airfare?

I’m happy to recommend some great airfare websites, however, I’m not a travel agent so I can’t research travel deals for you. My passion is free travel, not cheap travel. Before I used miles and points to book free flights, I used the following websites to compare and price airfare:

What’s the “catch?”

“Catch” is subjective.  While there are no memberships, hidden costs, etc. (as you would see in a “timeshare” or MLM sort of thing), there are basics to free travel that some may consider a “catch”.  Keep in mind I’m not selling anything; I’m only teaching you how to do what I do to fly free. The only catch I can think of is the need for credit cards and a good credit score.  The most lucrative free travel comes from credit card sign up bonuses and rewards programs.  Many people I encounter give me the “oh, heck no” distressed look when they hear the words “credit cards”, this is because they associate credit to debt (I do not ever condone debt).  In addition, flexible credit cards that offer the best travel reward programs often require a credit score of 680+.  So, the only “catch”, in my opinion, would be the need for specific credit cards and a good credit score.

Is there a commitment?

There is a learning curve, which can be a time commitment.  It takes some reading and organization to learn how this free flying stuff works.  Despite trying to ease the learning curve by writing a 7 part series here, It can be overwhelming.  You’ll first need to visit several airline and hotel websites to sign up for their free loyalty programs (NOT their credit cards). Then, you’ll apply for select flexible credit card(s) and meet the minimum spending requirements (to get sign up bonus).  Once you’ve been approved for and receive your credit card(s) you’ll use it (or them) to collect miles and points through everyday spending. Once you’ve earned the amount of miles/points needed for your trip you’ll leverage airline partnerships against each other to book your tickets.  I get it, it’s a ton of information; don’t let all that scare you!  I’m new to this also.  I’ve only been “hacking” since the end of 2016.  Since November, 2016 and booked free tickets to Maui, Seattle, Chicago, Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, and I still have enough points to book 14 roundtrip airline tickets anywhere…FREE.  The only commitment is the time you’re willing to dedicate toward learning the process.

How do I decide which credit card(s) to get?

In order to make the most of your miles and points I insist you only apply for and use credit card(s) with “flexible” reward programs. This means credit card reward programs that partner with multiple airlines and hotels (not a specific airline or hotel).  There is almost no limit to where and how you can “spend” the points and miles you earn when the program is flexible. For detailed information about which specific credit cards I use visit this page I authored previously.

Can I use points towards train or cruise travel?

You can use the Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Portal to book cruises and train travel at a 20% discount, however, I have found this is not as lucrative as using points for airfare.  If your main travel goal is cruising and you live in a port city, than yes, surely use the credit card rewards portals to save money on your cruise! Many cruise lines have their own co-branded credit cards; tempted as I am to try co-branded credit cards, I haven’t yet.  Same goes for train travel; if this is your travel goal and it’s more beneficial to you than paying for airfare, awesome!

Are these same free travel perks available for Canadians or citizens of other countries?

Yes, and no.  While there are surely travel hackers in every country, it’s not by using the exact credit cards I endorse.  A quick Google or Pinterest search of “Canada travel hacking” resulted in the following sites that will teach you the ways!

Points Nerd
Canadian Travel Hacking
Young and Thrifty
Globe Guide
Rewards Canada

I hope this addressed some of the FAQ’s that you had!  Do you have any questions I didn’t answer? 
Add them to the comments and I’d love to answer them and add to this post!

Have you had a look at some of my most recent posts? How about how I plan to retire by 40? Or how I’m quitting my high paying career to do what I LOVE!

• Want to LEARN HOW TO FLY FREE? Start Here! 
• I’m still on board to retire by 40 by blogging! 
• How I made over $200 in my first 3 weeks blogging (AND HAVE NOW MADE OVER $400 in 4 weeks!
• I’M QUITTING!  Leaving my $80k+ career for happiness! 
•  3 Roundtrip Tickets to Chicago for $33
• Do Happy People Annoy YOU? 
• Plan a $30k Wedding on a $5k Budget 

Happy Traveling!
-Serena