English edition · checked 2026-10-18

How to search for an award flight

Start with the trip you need, then search flexible dates, compare programmes that can issue it, and confirm the exact itinerary with the programme before transferring points.

1. Write down the trip you would actually take

List the origin, destination, passenger count, travel window, cabin and the longest connection you can accept. Mark which parts are flexible. Searching a real journey makes it easier to compare an award with a cash ticket later.

2. Search broadly, then narrow down

Try one direction at a time, more than one date, and nearby airports if they are practical. Search the operating flight and the programme that may issue the award. A cash seat being for sale does not mean the airline has released an award seat. Partner programmes may see different inventory from the operating airline.

3. Confirm the exact itinerary on the issuing programme

Before transferring anything, check every segment, date, operating carrier, cabin, passenger and total mileage price in the programme’s own booking flow. Read its partner restrictions, taxes, surcharges and change rules. A third-party search result can be stale or may not be bookable through the programme you choose.

4. Book and keep the record

When the programme displays a bookable itinerary at the price you accept, continue to payment and check the confirmation, ticket number and passenger names. Save the final itinerary and receipt. If the seat disappears, return to the search and try a backup; do not assume a transfer can be reversed.

Official sources

• JAL Mileage Bank rules and partner-seat capacity conditions
• Aeroplan Flight Reward Policy

Keep reading: Award availability · How to redeem miles · Booking classes