CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Christmas is less than two weeks away and if you haven't booked your trip home, you might end up spending hundreds of dollars on last-minute flights out.
But there’s another way to snag plane tickets that won’t hurt your wallet.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
ConsumerAffairs suggests people use their points and or miles this holiday season to save themselves the headache of those last-minute fares.
- You’ll want to manage your expectations. Know that some flights won’t have last-minute award availability and you can’t be picky with your seats. Booking last minute might mean you’ll have to book whatever seats are available.
- Look at using transfer bonuses. In most cases, credit card points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to their airline partners. So this means for every 1 credit card point you get you also get 1 mile. But every so often, credit cards will offer transfer bonuses with specific airlines, which means you can transfer your credit card points and in return, you’ll receive more miles than you normally do.
- Be flexible on dates and locations. If you’re looking for last-minute flights, look into not only alternate dates but also alternate destinations. For example, if you can't find a time or price point that works out of Charlotte Douglas, try looking at flying in and out of Columbia instead.
WCNC Charlotte's Where's The Money series is all about leveling the playing in the Carolinas by helping others and breaking down barriers. WCNC Charlotte doesn't want our viewers to be taken advantage of, so we’re here to help. Watch previous stories where we ask the question “Where’s the Money” in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.