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Jetting Off to North Africa and Middle East with Miles: A Comprehensive Guide

Flying across the Atlantic for a visit to family or friends in Algeria, Tunisia, or Morocco can be a daunting prospect. But there’s no reason it should break your bank – or leave you feeling jet-lagged and overwhelmed upon arrival. As someone who’s been lucky enough to travel extensively throughout North Africa and the Middle East, I’ve learned that with a little planning and strategy, you can make the most of those miles you’ve been saving up while immersing yourself in the vibrant Maghrebi culture.

Why It Matters

Travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures – but it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Using points and miles strategically can not only make your journey more comfortable, but also free up your budget for cultural experiences that money can’t buy. Imagine being able to indulge in a decadent spa treatment at a luxurious riad in Marrakech or sampling the local cuisine at a bustling souk in Cairo without breaking the bank.

What You Need

• Frequent flyer program memberships – sign up to the loyalty programs of major airlines serving North Africa and Middle East destinations. Accumulate miles through credit card spending, shopping, and dining partnerships.
• Award search engines – use websites like ExpertFlyer or AwardNexus to find award seat availability on multiple airlines at once, saving you time and increasing your chances of finding a great deal.
• Transferable points – accumulate flexible reward points from credit cards such as Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, or Citi ThankYou Points. These can be transferred to multiple airline partners for maximum flexibility.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to maximize your miles for a seamless trip:

1. Choose the right program: Look for an airline that flies directly to your destination, offers generous rewards, and has a wide network of partners for earning miles. Etihad Guest and Royal Air Maroc Saver Plus are good options for North Africa and Middle East travel.
2. Find award availability: Using an award search engine, look for business class seats on your preferred flights during off-peak times. These will offer the most comfort at a lower cost in miles.
3. Transfer points strategically: If you have transferable points from multiple credit cards, transfer them to airline partners wisely. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards can be transferred 1:1 to United MileagePlus or British Airways Executive Club.
4. Book and confirm your ticket: Once you’ve found an award seat, book it through the airline’s website or by phone. Be prepared for a hold on your miles until the reservation is confirmed.
5. Plan your stopovers: Make the most of layovers in Europe by visiting cultural sites or attending festivals. Check out our guides to Marrakech, Algiers, and Tunis for inspiration.

Mistakes to Avoid

These are common pitfalls that can cost you miles or leave you disappointed on your trip:

• Chasing a dream award seat – sometimes the best deals sell out quickly. Be flexible with dates and destinations to increase your chances of finding an affordable ticket.
• Ignoring airline fees – some airlines charge hefty fuel surcharges or close-in booking fees. Choose partners that offer low fees for premium cabin awards.
• Failing to maximize credit card rewards – use your everyday spending to accumulate miles and points faster. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 3x points on dining and travel, while the Amex Platinum earns 5x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets.

Advanced Tips

Once you’ve mastered the basics, here are some tips for maximizing your mileage earnings and getting even more value out of your trip:

• Booking premium cabin awards on long-haul flights – using miles to fly business or first class can save thousands of dollars and make a transatlantic flight feel like a luxury experience.
• Combining points with cash – some airlines allow you to pay for part of your ticket with miles, freeing up more cash for experiences on the ground.
• Maximizing partner benefits – many hotel chains offer airline partners that let you earn and redeem points for flights. The Marriott Bonvoy program, for example, allows transfers to over 40 airlines.

Conclusion

With the right strategy and some planning, your miles can take you on an unforgettable journey through North Africa and Middle East. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets in Casablanca or relaxing by the sea in Alexandria, remember to immerse yourself in Maghrebi culture and create memories that will last a lifetime.