Points and miles questions

Should I enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry?

Both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck® are expedited airport security clearance programs, but they offer different benefits. 

My advice: Opt for Global Entry if you plan to travel internationally. Here’s why:  

TSA PreCheck offers expedited security lines at domestic airports. The application process is quicker and less expensive than Global Entry. 

• Best for: Domestic travelers
• Benefits: 3-1-1 liquids and electronics stay in your bag, shoes and light jackets stay on through airport screening

Global Entry includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus an expedited US customs screening at US airports. Its application process is longer, involving an in-person interview. 

• Best for: Anyone who plans to travel internationally in the next five years
• Benefits: Everything from TSA PreCheck, plus an expedited international arrivals process. Your Global Entry ID is also REAL ID compliant.

For Global Entry members to receive TSA PreCheck access, enter your KTN (Known Traveler Number) in the TSA field when making your flight reservation. 

Will I lose my airline miles if I close my airline co-branded credit card?

No, you’ll keep the miles because they are connected with your airline loyalty account, not your credit card.

But, before you decide to close the card, ask if they’ll waive the annual fee. Just call the number on the back and ask the representative. Here’s a script you can use.

Heads up: The situation is different for closing a card that earns transferable credit card points—the ones associated with a card issuer that you can transfer to partners or spend in their travel portal. Since your credit card account houses these points, you would lose them if you closed the card. 

Is it better to use my points on flights or hotels?

In general, you’re going to get a better value for your points when you transfer to airline partners over hotel partners. 

Why? Two reasons: First, most hotel chains have inflated the amount of points required for a redemption.

Second, you will have better luck with a hotel co-branded credit card. Redeem the hotel card’s points for a night’s stay. 

Plus, many hotel cards offer some level of elite status, which can provide benefits such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and potentially even a free night. 

I want to combine my United miles with my husband’s.  What is the best way to do that?

United allows MileagePlus members to pool their miles for free with family and friends, allowing you to create a shared bank of miles for an even bigger redemption.

To start, either you or your husband would sign into your account on United’s mileage pooling page, and then invite the other spouse to join your pool. You can have up to five people in one pool.

One big caveat: You can only redeem pooled United miles for United or United Express flights. That means you cannot use pooled miles for seat upgrades, seat assignments, in-flight WiFi or other 

Pro-tip: If someone if your pool has a United credit card or elite status with United, designate that person to redeem for the pool. They can access extra saver award, discounted award rates, and/or a free checked bag. 

Curious about other airlines?

• Delta allows you to use your SkyMiles to book for another person. 
• American and Alaska charge a hefty $5 and $10 per 1,000 miles transferred, respectively. 
• Now, Alaska’s new top-tier credit card lets you set up a network to share points with up to 10 other users. 

How do I transfer my credit card points or miles to airline partners?

Transferring your credit card points (or miles, depending on the card issuer's lingo) is a great way to maximize the value of your points.  

You’ll first want to sign up for a loyalty account with a partner airline and save your member number. 

Then you’ll go to your card’s transfer partner section—each issuer describes it differently, but we outline the exact menu flow here—click on the airline partner, and link your account. 

Once linked, you can now transfer credit card points to the airline (or hotel) partner. 

Check out our step-by-step guide here. We also have guides for specific issuers, like this one. 

If I buy a ticket using points, can I then upgrade it to business class? I realize I’d have to pay for the upgrade. 

For the most part, no. Your best bet is to book in the fare class you want. 

Depending on the airline, you may be able to use miles to upgrade a seat you bought with cash, so long as it’s not a Basic Economy ticket. But in general, this isn’t the best value.

One exception to the rule is Emirates. Emirates allows you to upgrade one fare class using miles, regardless of whether you booked your initial ticket with points or with cash. 

Have a points and miles question? 

If you have a points and miles question, submit it here. We may answer it in a future newsletter.