Travel hacking for beginners: 10 starting points

Travel hacking is using points + miles to fly + sleep nearly free. These 10 starting points get you to your first 'free' return flight in 6-12 months.

Start with one airline alliance

Pick one alliance: SkyTeam (KLM/Air France/Delta), Star Alliance (Lufthansa/United/SAS), Oneworld (Iberia/British Airways). Don't spread thinly across all three.

Sign up for the loyalty program

Flying Blue (KLM), Miles & More (Lufthansa), Avios (Iberia/BA). Free. Get the app.

Credit card with sign-up bonus

Best in Netherlands: ICS Visa Gold (Flying Blue 20,000 miles welcome bonus). American Express Platinum (€85,000+ income required, 50,000 Membership Rewards).

Spend your daily expenses through the card

Pay groceries, gas, restaurants via card → mile per €. Pay off in full each month (otherwise interest eats your benefit).

Promo deals

Flying Blue regularly does 30-50% discount promos on specific routes. Sign up for the newsletter.

Award flights to a sweet spot

Best value redemptions: Europe short-haul (8,000-12,500 miles), North America (50,000-60,000 miles, taxes €100). Avoid economy long-haul redemption (worst value).

Hotels: stick with one chain

Marriott Bonvoy (Marriott/Sheraton/Westin), Hilton Honors, IHG (Holiday Inn/Crowne Plaza). 4 stays at the same chain = free night.

Stack with airline programs

Book a Marriott hotel through Flying Blue Marketplace → get hotel points AND airline miles for the same stay.

Status matters more than points

Achieve Silver/Gold status. Lounge access at airports, free wifi, late check-out, room upgrades. Often €5,000-€10,000 spend/year for Gold.

Beware churning

Don't open 10 credit cards in 6 months. BKR (NL credit bureau) sees this; you may not get a mortgage later. Slow and steady.