How Saving Miles for Emergencies had Saved My Behind

dInstead of focusing on using miles for aspirational awards, I’d like to take a moment to focus on how they are actually an incredible tool in the event of an emergency.  They open up options when you need to shuffle travel plans at the last minute.

How Many Miles should I Save for Emergency use?

Just like an emergency funds, the amount of miles you save is based on your needs and comfort level. Your mileage may vary.  Personally, I don’t recommend keeping large amount of miles just sitting idle, simply due to frequent program devaluations.

At a minimum, I’d like to keep enough miles enough to cover for a domestic round trip in Economy.  The sweet spot for me is actually the cost of a one-way premium cabin on a an international flight.  This is because unplanned travel changes are often last minute.  And guess what?   Airlines typically open up award space in the premium cabins close to departure, which means that there is likely going to be a match.

Booking a last minute ticket (even in economy) can be cost prohibitive close to departure.

Miles saved me twice on International Trips

British Airways saved the day

The first time miles saved my behind was a flight back from Athens.   I had a return flight booked in economy, but an air traffic controller strike caused many flights to be cancelled (including mine).   Who knew how long the strike was going to last?   Economy pricing were rising with everyone trying to re-book their cancelled flights.  I had British Airways miles and was able to secure premium cabin seat with miles + taxes.  It was a lot of miles, but it was the best use because it was better than being stranded.

AA/Air Lingus also saved the day

More recently, I had to fly back from Dublin earlier than my booked flight on Icelandair (non-refundable) for an urgent matter.   I decided to use my American Airlines miles and secured a booking, only for the AA flight to be delayed and then subsequently cancelled.  The options presented by the AA app were disappointing – multiple stops that won’t get me back much sooner.  Out of options, I decided to call American Airlines directly and explained my situation.

The agent I spoke with a godsend.  I kindly asked if he could check if there was anything available that would get me back sooner.  He also checked partner airlines for me and found a direct flight  that same day (non -stop) on Air Lingus later in the afternoon.   I confirmed that I wanted the ticket, quickly packed everything, placed a deliveroo order (the equivalent of doordash/ubereats in Dublin) and requested a taxi to get me to the airport.  It was as last minute as it could get.

I was so glad I called and spoke to a live agent; the non-stop option was better than any of the options the app had presented.

What about the Experience?

Let’s face it.  When there are more pressing matters, the flight “experience” becomes secondary.  In those situation, it’s not really important whether the seat is in economy or business or whether it’s a window seat or not.  I was going to take the fastest, more direct flight back.

I was tired and I simply appreciated the comfort of being able to lie down to catch some sleep and enjoy a meal (and take some pictures out of habit).  To be fair, the in-flight meal wasn’t very filling, but that’s trivial in the grand scheme of things.  If I fly Air Lingus again, I need to remind myself to eat a full meal before before my flight. 🙂

You can’t really go wrong with saving some miles for emergency travel uses.   Just like with emergency funds, you don’t necessarily want to use the funds, but you are just glad that it’s available for you when you really need it.

Have miles saved you when you were in a pinch?  Sound off below.