How do Air Miles work and can you get a free flight once you accumulate enough miles?

Air Miles are not earned strictly based on the distance flown, but rather on the cost of the ticket.

Typically, you earn 5-15 miles per dollar spent on airfare.

The number of miles required for a free flight can vary greatly depending on the airline, route, and travel dates.

It's not a simple calculation of the miles flown.

Flights booked with Air Miles often still require you to pay taxes and fees, which can sometimes be $100 or more even for a "free" flight.

Air Miles can expire if your account is inactive for a certain period, typically 12-24 months.

You have to earn or redeem miles regularly to keep them from expiring.

The value of Air Miles can fluctuate, with some programs devaluing their miles over time.

This means the same number of miles may not get you the same flight later on.

Elite status in an airline's frequent flyer program can unlock better redemption options and more valuable miles.

Basic members may have fewer choices.

Certain credit cards offer bonus miles for specific purchases, like 2x or 3x miles per dollar spent on travel or dining, which can help accelerate mileage accrual.

Blackout dates and limited award seat availability can make it challenging to use Air Miles, especially for popular travel dates and destinations.

Airline mergers and alliances can impact how you earn and redeem miles, as policies may change between partner carriers.

Some airlines now offer "cash + miles" redemption options, allowing you to use a combination of cash and miles for flights.

Air Miles can sometimes be used for non-flight rewards like hotel stays, car rentals, or merchandise, though the redemption value may be less favorable.

Transferring miles between airline programs is possible in some cases, but the exchange rates are rarely 1:1, so you may lose value in the process.

Certain credit cards offer sign-up bonuses of 50,000 miles or more, which can provide a significant boost towards a free flight.

The number of miles required for a flight can vary based on the class of service, with first and business class typically costing more miles than economy.

Airline loyalty programs may offer elite status tiers with additional benefits, such as priority boarding, lounge access, and bonus mile earning rates.

Redeeming miles for international flights, especially in premium cabins, often requires more miles than domestic flights due to higher demand.

Airline miles can be a valuable currency, but their worth can fluctuate based on redemption options and program changes, so it's important to stay up-to-date on current policies.

Some airlines impose fuel surcharges or other fees when redeeming miles, which can add to the overall cost of the "free" flight.

Miles earned through a co-branded credit card may have different earning and redemption rules compared to miles earned directly through the airline.

Airline alliances like Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam allow you to earn and redeem miles across multiple partner airlines, expanding your redemption options.