What Does Redeem Miles Mean and How It Actually Works

You're looking at a miles balance that took months, or years, to build. A flight search shows a tempting award price, but the checkout page adds taxes, fees, and perhaps a carrier surcharge. Then another question appears: should you use the miles now, or save them for a trip that might offer better value? That's the meaning of redeeming miles. You aren't claiming a free flight. You're exchanging loyalty...