A Starter Guide to Flight Points: Unlocking the World of Travel Rewards

Many jemaah travel for Umrah solo, with friends, or with family every year—sometimes even more than once a year—without realizing they could collect flight points that can benefit them for their next purchase. Similar to programs like BonusLink, these points can make future travel more affordable or offer additional perks.

Imagine flying to your dream destination for free or enjoying a luxurious upgrade to business class—all without breaking the bank. This is the magic of flight points, a travel rewards system offered by airlines to loyal customers. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting your journey, understanding how to earn and redeem flight points can unlock incredible benefits. Here’s your ultimate guide to getting started with flight points.

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What Are Flight Points?

Flight points, also known as miles or rewards, are part of airline loyalty programs that incentivize frequent travel. Members earn points based on how far they travel, how much they spend, or even through non-flight activities like shopping or dining. These points can then be redeemed for various perks, including:

• Free or discounted flights
• Seat upgrades
• Access to airport lounges
• Hotel stays
• Car rentals

Flight points make travel more affordable and enjoyable, especially for frequent flyers.

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Popular Airline Loyalty Programs

Here’s a look at some of the top loyalty programs worldwide:

1. Etihad Guest (Etihad Airways)
   1. Earn miles on flights, hotel bookings, and everyday purchases.
   2. Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, or items from the Etihad Reward Shop.
   3. Features a family membership option for pooling miles.
2. Qatar Airways Privilege Club
   1. Earn Qmiles by flying or through partnerships with hotels, retailers, and more.
   2. Redeem Qmiles for flights, seat upgrades, and exclusive privileges.
   3. Integrated with Avios, allowing greater flexibility.
3. Alfursan (Saudia Airlines)
   1. Earn miles on Saudia flights and partner airlines.
   2. Enjoy benefits like extra baggage and access to Alfursan lounges.
   3. Retroactively claim miles for flights taken before enrollment.
4. Enrich (Malaysia Airlines)
   1. Earn Enrich Points on flights, credit card spending, and partner purchases.
   2. Redeem points for flights, seat upgrades, and hotel stays.
   3. Features a "Points + Cash" option for greater flexibility.

ISABELLE SHAWL

How to Get Started with Flight Points

1. Enroll in a Loyalty Program

Joining a loyalty program is free and easy. Start by choosing an airline you frequently travel with or one that offers excellent routes and partnerships in your region. Many programs allow retroactive claims for flights taken before you signed up, so enroll as soon as possible.

2. Earn Points Beyond Flying

Flight points aren’t just for flights! Many programs let you earn miles through:

• Co-branded credit cards: Earn points on everyday purchases.
• Hotel bookings: Partner hotels often offer bonus points.
• Shopping: Many airlines have online stores where you can earn points for purchases.
• Dining: Earn miles by dining at participating restaurants.

3. Pool Points with Family

Some programs, like Etihad Guest and Qatar Airways Privilege Club, offer family pooling options. This allows you to combine points from multiple accounts to reach redemption thresholds faster.

4. Maximize Promotions

Airlines frequently run promotions offering double or triple points for flights, shopping, or other activities. Stay updated by subscribing to program newsletters.

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How to Redeem Your Flight Points

Redeeming points can be simple and rewarding. Here’s how:

• Free Flights: Book flights using your accumulated points. For example, a round-trip economy flight might cost 25,000 points, while a business class upgrade might cost 50,000 points.
• Seat Upgrades: Upgrade your economy ticket to business or first class using points. This is one of the best-value redemptions.
• Point + Cash: Some airlines offer a combination of points and cash, making it easier to book even if you’re short on points.
• Non-Flight Rewards: Use points for hotel stays, car rentals, or even shopping through the airline’s reward store.

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• Haram not in walking distance: 12 min drive (8.9 km) 
• Free shuttle

Tips for Maximizing Flight Points

• Plan Ahead: Book reward flights early, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Fly Partner Airlines: Most programs allow you to earn and redeem points with partner airlines, expanding your options.
• Use Co-Branded Credit Cards: Earn miles on groceries, gas, and other daily expenses.
• Track Your Points: Use apps or the airline’s website to monitor your points and their expiration dates.
• Focus on One Program: Accumulating points in a single program allows you to reach meaningful rewards faster.

Waqf Outhman Bin Affan Hotel, Madinah
• Haram in walking distance 
• Men's section: 9 min walk (600 m) 
• Ladies' section: 9 min walk (590 m)

Common Questions About Flight Points

1. Can I earn points when booking flights for others? Yes! Many airlines allow the person paying for the ticket to earn points, even if they’re not the one traveling. Check the specific program’s rules.

2. Do flight points expire?Some programs have no-expiry policies, while others require account activity to keep points active. Be sure to check your program’s terms.

3. Are flight points taxable? In most cases, flight points are considered a reward and not taxable. However, redeemed rewards may incur fees, such as taxes or surcharges.

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Conclusion

Flight points are more than just a loyalty perk—they’re a gateway to incredible travel experiences. By enrolling in a program, earning points strategically, and redeeming them wisely, you can make your travel dreams a reality. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or religious purposes like Umrah, the power of points can save you money and elevate your travel experience.

So, why wait? Start earning your flight points today and unlock a world of rewards tomorrow!