Booking a flight using airline miles always feels like a win. You’ve compared prices, found availability, transferred points, and locked in your reservation. Done and done, right?
Not so fast.
When you use miles from one airline to book a flight on a partner carrier, your job isn’t over once you hit “confirm.” Behind the scenes, your reservation is bouncing between two different systems—and that’s where things can get complicated.
I booked a flight on one airline using the miles from a partner loyalty program, thanks to transferable credit card points. For example, In my case, it was Flying Blue miles for a Virgin Atlantic flight. By comparing the prices across different airline loyalty programs and using my transferrable miles, I was able to find the best deal and save a significant amount of money on my trip.
Here’s what I learned—and what you should double-check—any time you book an award flight through a partner airline.
Make Sure All Information Is Correct
Whenever information is passed between two airline systems, there’s room for things to get lost in translation. Always double-check that your name is spelled correctly and matches your ID exactly. If it doesn’t, you could encounter problems at check-in—or worse, be denied boarding.
Also, confirm that the operating airline (the one you’re flying) has your complete personal details. In my case, Virgin Atlantic didn’t receive my date of birth or Known Traveler Number from Flying Blue. I had to manually enter that information on Virgin’s website. If I hadn’t, I might’ve missed out on TSA PreCheck when departing the U.S.
Seat Selection
Seat assignments don’t always carry over when you book with a partner airline. Sometimes, you’ll be able to select your seat during the booking process, but more often than not, you’ll need to visit the operating airline’s website to choose your seat.
I forgot to do this after booking and ended up with only a few middle seats left to choose from on Virgin Atlantic’s A330-300. If seat selection is important to you, log in to the operating airline’s site as soon as possible after booking.
Flight Changes
When you book far in advance, there’s always a chance your flight schedule will shift. Changes might be minor—or they could be significant.
Even though loyalty programs may email you about changes, it’s wise to monitor your reservation directly with the airline you’re flying. I use TripIt to track my bookings, which helps keep me informed of any time adjustments.
Don’t rely on memory—what was accurate when you booked might be outdated by the time you travel.
Flight Documents
Some airline websites still feature outdated elements like document upload tools—remnants from pandemic-era travel requirements. For example, Virgin Atlantic’s site included a section to upload travel documents and another devoted to the UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation).
When I initially booked my flight, U.S. citizens didn’t need an ETA to visit the U.K. But that’s now changed.
As of January 8, 2025, U.S. passport holders must obtain a UK ETA before traveling to the United Kingdom. If you’re planning a trip, make sure you understand the new requirements and fees—this post breaks it all down.
Always double-check the entry requirements for your destination before departure, especially if you’re relying on older confirmation emails or outdated airline info.
Meal Selection
Not all airlines offer custom meal selections before the flight, but many will let you specify dietary preferences in advance. Virgin Atlantic didn’t have anything like Singapore Airlines’ “Book the Cook,” but I could choose from options like vegetarian, kosher, or gluten-free meals.
If you have dietary needs, it’s a good idea to log into the operating airline’s site well before your departure and select your meal preference if available.
Final Thought
Booking award travel through a partner airline can unlock huge value—but it also introduces complexity. You’re the one responsible for making sure everything is in place before you head to the airport.
If the loyalty program fails to issue your ticket correctly, if your name doesn’t match your ID, or if you miss an important update, your dream award ticket can quickly become a nightmare.
By taking a few extra steps—confirming your details, checking for flight changes, selecting your seat and meal, and reviewing entry requirements—you’ll avoid the pitfalls and enjoy the perks of your hard-earned miles.
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