\n Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com<\/a> to learn more.\n<\/div>\n
Traveling on points and miles can feel overwhelming, but it doesn\u2019t have to be. One of my favorite tools that makes the process easier is Google Flights. It\u2019s free, flexible, and so user-friendly. Whether you\u2019re planning a quick weekend getaway or a bucket-list international trip, Google Flights is usually where I start.<\/p>\n
Why Flexibility is Everything in Award Travel<\/h3>\n
One of the biggest secrets to getting amazing deals with points and miles is flexibility. That might mean being open to flying into a different airport, traveling in the shoulder season, or adjusting your dates by a few days.<\/p>\n
When I\u2019m booking travel, I usually start searching:<\/p>\n
- \n
- 1\u20133 months in advance for domestic flights<\/li>\n
- 4\u201312 months ahead for international flights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Google Flights makes this kind of flexible searching a breeze.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jenwoodhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/01-1024x717.png\"\/)
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jenwoodhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/01-1024x717.png\")
<\/figure>\nHow to Use Google Flights Like a Pro<\/h3>\n
Here\u2019s how I use Google Flights to find great deals:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Start Broad.<\/strong> I enter my departure city but leave the destination blank.<\/li>\n
- Use the Map View.<\/strong> This shows you prices to cities all over the world.<\/li>\n
- Set Flexible Dates.<\/strong> I love using the \u201cFlexible Dates\u201d feature to see the cheapest times to fly.<\/li>\n
- Turn on Price Tracking.<\/strong> You can toggle the tracker and Google will email you when prices drop.<\/li>\n
- Search One-Way Fares.<\/strong> I prefer searching one-way flights because it allows me to be flexible in my travel planning as well as not beholden to airlines\u2019 flight routes. For example, for our Italy trip, we flew on Emirates from the US to Milan and Air France out of Rome back to the US.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
It\u2019s a powerful way to uncover hidden gems and price dips.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jenwoodhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/02-1024x780.png\"\/)
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/jenwoodhouse.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/02-1024x780.png\")
<\/figure>\nBooking with Points Through Airline Partners<\/h3>\n
Even if you find a great cash fare, there\u2019s a good chance you can book it using points instead. This is where knowing your airline <\/strong>alliances comes in handy:<\/p>\n
- \n
- OneWorld:<\/strong> American, British Airways, Iberia, Qatar, JAL, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Royal Jordanian, etc.<\/li>\n
- SkyTeam:<\/strong> Delta, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Aeromexico, ITA Airways, etc.<\/li>\n
- Star Alliance:<\/strong> United, Lufthansa, ANA, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Singapore, ANA, Asiana, Turkish, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Let\u2019s say Google Flights shows a cheap fare on United, but you have Amex Membership Rewards points. While you can\u2019t transfer directly to United, you can<\/em> transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan or Singapore Airlines (both Star Alliance partners) and book the same flight if there is award availability.<\/p>\n
Pro Tip: Use Transfer Partner Cheat Sheets<\/h3>\n
I always keep a cheat sheet of which points transfer where. It helps me quickly figure out which of my credit cards or points currencies can help cover the flight I found.<\/p>\n
\nFree Download: Credit Card Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet<\/h3>\n
\n Book smarter with points. This beautifully designed cheat sheet shows you which credit card points transfer to which airline partners so you can maximize every mile.\n <\/p>\n
- SkyTeam:<\/strong> Delta, Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Aeromexico, ITA Airways, etc.<\/li>\n
- Use the Map View.<\/strong> This shows you prices to cities all over the world.<\/li>\n
- Start Broad.<\/strong> I enter my departure city but leave the destination blank.<\/li>\n