Point Guy Brian Kelly shares tips on reward trips.

I will stay on a free premium air trip, and even a private island, an extra night at a cocky hotel suite. Royalty points and frequent flyers can provide funds to travel that far exceeds travelers' normal expectations and budgets when they are collected strategically.

But getting these transactions is not easy. Fortunately, there is a whole universe of experts who are familiar with the reservation prize trip. At the forefront is Brian Kelly, which established the travel website “THE POINTS GUY” in 2010.

For 41 -year -old Kelly, it began with a childhood challenge to book a trip for his family. At 12 o'clock, he planned the entire vacation for the Grand Cayman for the six families and reserved all flights with his father's mile. He said that the successful trip has led to his career basis as a travel expert. Transaction is still instructing his trip.

In his new book, “How to Win in Travel,” Kelly shares all the advice on everything, from understanding points and miles to handling flight confusion and flight anxiety.

He shares some of the advice with the Times, discusses how to strategize purchases with a credit card, fly with children in business classes, and evolve a prize trip.

This conversation is edited and condensed to clarify.

For decades, we investigated points and miles. What is still fun about it?

I love solving puzzles. Yes, that's a bit difficult, but that's also the point. If it is very easy for everyone in the world to use it, it will not exist. For those who want to do a little work, I still have a really high reward.

Several examples: I have been to Maldives, Paris, and Japan with reward points.

What is the best trip you have scored so far?

The airline technology can sometimes ruin it with your favor. When US Airlines was acquired in the United States in 2013 or so, I exchanged 130,000 points for a leading round -trip flight to Australia. I was flying during the migration of high -tech, but they have refunded all my points. I definitely flew to Australia for free.

Navigating points and miles requires many leg work. Travelers need to compare the value of various website miles and dollars and points. Is it difficult to get a great deal?

This technology has recently become really interesting.

Previously, I had to be an expert and know how to use 10 different airlines websites. There are tools like SEATS.AERO and THRIFTY TRAVELLER, but it's a bit unstable, but not difficult to use. The redemption of the award is changing, but in these technologies, it is easier to find these sweet spots than before.

Certain airlines and partnerships are still very worthwhile. Most foreign programs such as Air Canada's aeroplan and Air France. With 60,000 American Airlines miles, you can fly business classes to Japan in Japan.

You say that the best redemption for US airlines is generally international partners. Because these are not dynamic pricing.

Foreign airlines will eventually catch up. I think they have been late for several years. The price rises. Use the points now to maximize the sweet spot.

What is the first thing that a beginner of reward proposes to do?

It is important for everyone to understand the credit.

Start with one card. This is to get a credit card with a big sign -up bonus. But what is really important is to strategic on where to claim food, food and rent. Even if you have three cards, you need a credit card portfolio. After starting small, participating in the program, expanding from there and summarizing points and benefits like coverage of travel confusion.

I pay all invoices every month.

When did you last the economy?

I still fly the economy! If possible, take less than an hour.

We recommend that you be careful when booking a trip with an online travel agency. why?

Some OTAs are better than other OTAs, but many of the customer service are terrible. Please note which to choose.

We talked to the front desk agent of the hotel. Regarding hotel reservations, OTA is generally considered the last priority. Therefore, do not intentionally treat yourself. If the price is the same, make a reservation directly.

You no longer have an elite status in US careers. How does this point only work?

When chasing the elite status, we often make it inconvenient to spend more than we need or use hamster wheels. I love being a free agent. My family and my family fly the best flight to take us most comfortably. I use most points for all air fare.

People assume that all airplanes are the same, but different airplanes have a much better or worse experience, such as leg rooms, noise, and amenities. When you explain prices and bad experiences, cheap things are also expensive.

How do you travel frequently with young children?

My older son was two years old and went to 16 countries. My second son was born in December. We head to Thailand for one month in April, on an airplane on an airplane with the points in Etihad's residence. It will be my second son's first international flight. Late this year, we will go to a cruise in Antarctica. (Cruise itself is not a point, but all flights and hotels before and after.)

The younger you are, the better the travel. It's easy when they are young. That's about preparation. Snacks, activities, and timing flights to sleep schedule are working for me.

Can your sons fly in the main cabin after experiencing luxurious flights?

I intend to give them this character construction experience when I don't need to be with them!

Is there a golden age of reward?

There are so many ways to get a lot of credit cards and points. It is always evolving. This is pivot for more stable evaluation as more people enter. This may mean that points and miles are land with low overall value. Sweet spots are potentially low overall, but it is easier to achieve value. Because if the airline does not clarify how consumers can gain their value, they will clearly face the government's regulations that they want to avoid.

It is not the only airline that has these new price setting technology. Consumers do so. There are all kinds of new tools and tricks. It goes in both directions.

Finish some quick questions.

AMEX Center or Chase Sapphire Lounge? sapphire.

OneWorld, SkyTeam, or Star Alliance? OneWorld.

TSA PRECHECK, global entry or clear? Global entry.

A city you like to travel? Cape Town.

Favorite airport? Hamad International Airport in Doha.

The best first class? Air France.

The best airline royalty program? Alaska Airlines.

Hotel royalty program? Hyatt world.

Do you want to continue or check? Continue if possible.

First and business class baby? Yes hell!

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