For frequent flyers who might miss one of the mainstays of the in-flight experience—the SkyMall catalog—many airlines offer an opportunity to use miles towards consumer products as well as subscriptions for newspapers and magazines, notes Anthony Melchiorri, CEO of consulting firm Argeo Hospitality and host of Travel Channel’s Hotel Impossible. Southwest Airlines offers its entire catalog for shopping from your home; Emirates has a variety of retail and lifestyle options, including tours and tickets for skiing, waterparks, and more; and United even has an option to purchase an Apple Watch.
“Many airlines offer an option to use miles on purchasing a special experience, but due to COVID-19 most of those are currently on hold,” Melchiorri says. “If you’re not planning to travel right now, consider using your points towards a local staycation or give yourself something to look forward to by planning a trip for next year.”
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