English edition · checked 2026-10-18

How to book an award flight on a partner airline

A partner flight is booked through the programme that deducts the miles. The operating airline, award inventory, route rules and service conditions can all differ.

Choose the issuing programme

First decide which account will pay for the ticket. The operating airline supplies the flight, but the programme that deducts your miles sets its own partner, route, award and ticketing rules. Being in the same alliance is not a guarantee that every flight can be booked through every member programme.

Check partner and route eligibility

Look up the current eligible-partner list and route restrictions on the issuing programme’s site. Check the flight number and the airline that actually operates it. Some programmes exclude certain codeshares, routes, carriers or fare products; those details can change.

Verify each segment before you move points

Search each segment and confirm that the issuing programme sees the seat in the cabin you want. For a multi-segment trip, verify every connection in one itinerary and read the programme’s rules for stopovers, open jaws and mixed carriers. Check the number of travellers and whether the member can book for them.

Review the complete price and conditions

Read the mileage total, taxes, carrier-imposed charges, partner booking fees and payment currency. Check the ticket’s change and cancellation terms before paying. Once the award is ticketed, save the issuing programme’s confirmation and the operating airline’s record locator if one is provided.

Official sources

Keep reading: Airline alliances · Alliance and partner-flight basics · Search for an award flight