When should I buy a plane ticket with points?

Buy as soon as you have accumulated enough points for an interesting reward. To have the best choice in business or first class, aim for at least 1 year in advance. For economy flights, availability also often opens up less than 30 days before departure.

What is the best day to buy plane tickets with points?

The day of the week has no impact on points prices. Unlike cash tickets, award rates depend on availability and loyalty program promotions. Monitor offers and book as soon as you have enough points for a good value.

Can these tools be used with Canadian points like Aeroplan?

Yes, but not all of them. Roame, Seats.aero, and AwardTool support Aeroplan. AwardFares has no longer supported it since March 2025. ExpertFlyer has no longer covered Star Alliance since late 2023. Always check the list of supported programs before choosing your tool.

Do I have to pay to use these flight search tools?

Most offer a free version with basic features. However, alerts, flexible searches across multiple dates, and advanced filters generally require a paid subscription. Roame, Seats.aero, and AwardTool are among the most accessible in their free versions.

Can multiple award flight search tools be combined?

Yes, it is even recommended. No tool covers all programs or all routes. A combination of Roame (real-time searches, Canadian programs) and ExpertFlyer (advanced alerts, seat selection) gives very good results for most travelers.

What is the difference between Skyscanner, Google Flights, and award flight tools?

Skyscanner and Google Flights compare cash prices across hundreds of airlines. They do not handle award tickets. Tools like Roame, ExpertFlyer, or Seats.aero specialize in searching for award flight availability, paid for with your loyalty points or miles. The two types of tools are complementary.