Becoming a higher flyer

By this point, you should have an idea of what you can do with miles, possibly what you want to do with them, and have some strategies of how to accrue them most effectively. The rest is now up to you; what is it that you want to achieve? Higher flying guarantees that anything is possible, even though it may not always seem like it. You should never settle for anything less than what it is you want. Your desires may be first class comforts across the globe, or maybe they’re flying your entire family to a new state every year, regardless of the accommodations. Either way, so long as you know what you’re after, you can do whatever it is you want with miles and points.

Since I started on my own journey to become a higher flyer, I’ve come to realize that it’s best to think about the whole process as a game. You have a clear objective, you have to play by certain rules, and while achieving victory may be a challenge, it’s not impossible. So with that being said, I have three final tips (in this guide, at least 😉):

  • Know the game: The more you know about higher flying, the easier it is to make the most of your opportunities. Just as the best Scrabble players are well versed in both vocabulary and strategy, the highest flyers are experts on miles and points and what they can do with them.
  • Play the game: I say to treat your miles and points the same you would cash — Dollars and and frequent flyer miles are both types of currencies, after all — but have fun with the process! The promise of earning your perfect trip should be motivation to keep going. I promise the end result is worth it.
  • Win the game: This statement captures the “essence” of higher flying; you shouldn’t settle for something less than what it is you want. The airlines/hotels/banks win, at your expense, when your goals are compromised. Don’t let them beat you! Plus, there’s nothing better than the sweet taste of victory…
Austrian Desert
A literal sweet taste of victory: Business Class dessert on Austrian Airlines.

So where do I go from here?

Well, here on The Higher Flyer, you have a few options. You can go to…

  • The main blog.
  • The “Resources” page to get more information about airlines, hotels, and banks, as well as read some how-to guides, peruse the glossary, and learn about some other great websites.
  • The “Trip Reports & Reviews” to learn more about my experiences as a higher flyer.

Or, you can…

  • Email me if you have some more questions.

And if you want comprehensive help…

Your efforts in becoming a higher flyer won’t go to waste. There are few feelings better than the thrill of living your travel dreams, especially when the seemingly impossible becomes real, thanks to your own creativity and perseverance and discipline. Good luck in your journeys, and happy flying!

— Paul Colins