Question 1

When do airlines open their award booking calendars?

Accepted Answer

Airlines typically open their award booking calendars between 330-365 days before departure, though this varies significantly by airline. Some airlines like Lufthansa open 360 days out, while others like American Airlines open around 331 days in advance.

Question 2

Why do airlines have different booking windows?

Accepted Answer

Airlines set different booking windows based on their business strategies, route planning cycles, and operational considerations. Premium carriers often open booking earlier to capture early planners, while budget carriers may have shorter windows.

Question 3

What happens when an airline opens its booking calendar?

Accepted Answer

When an airline opens its booking calendar, new award seats become available for the newly opened dates. This is often the best time to find award availability, especially for premium cabins, as inventory is fresh and not yet picked over.

Question 4

Should I book immediately when the calendar opens?

Accepted Answer

For popular routes and premium cabins, booking soon after the calendar opens often provides the best selection. However, airlines may also release additional award seats closer to departure, so it depends on your flexibility and risk tolerance.

Question 5

When does ANA open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

ANA opens award bookings 355 days before departure. You can book ANA award flights using miles from their ANA Mileage Club loyalty program.

Question 6

When does Aer Lingus open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

Aer Lingus opens award bookings 355 days before departure. You can book Aer Lingus award flights using miles from their AerClub (Avios) loyalty program.

Question 7

When does AeroMexico open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

AeroMexico opens award bookings 330 days before departure. You can book AeroMexico award flights using miles from their Club Premier loyalty program.

Question 8

When does Air Canada open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

Air Canada opens award bookings 355 days before departure. You can book Air Canada award flights using miles from their Aeroplan loyalty program.

Question 9

When does Air France/KLM open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

Air France/KLM opens award bookings 359 days before departure. You can book Air France/KLM award flights using miles from their Flying Blue loyalty program.

Question 10

When does Alaska Airlines open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

Alaska Airlines opens award bookings 330 days before departure. You can book Alaska Airlines award flights using miles from their Mileage Plan loyalty program.

Question 11

When does American Airlines open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

American Airlines opens award bookings 331 days before departure. You can book American Airlines award flights using miles from their AAdvantage loyalty program.

Question 12

When does Avianca open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

Avianca opens award bookings 360 days before departure. You can book Avianca award flights using miles from their LifeMiles loyalty program.

Question 13

When does British Airways open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

British Airways opens award bookings 355 days before departure. You can book British Airways award flights using miles from their Executive Club (Avios) loyalty program.

Question 14

When does Cathay Pacific open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

Cathay Pacific opens award bookings 360 days before departure. You can book Cathay Pacific award flights using miles from their Asia Miles loyalty program.

Question 15

When does Delta Air Lines open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

Delta Air Lines opens award bookings 331 days before departure. You can book Delta Air Lines award flights using miles from their Skymiles loyalty program.

Question 16

When does EVA Air open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

EVA Air opens award bookings 355 days before departure. You can book EVA Air award flights using miles from their Infinity MileageLands loyalty program.

Question 17

When does Emirates open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

Emirates opens award bookings 361 days before departure. You can book Emirates award flights using miles from their Skywards loyalty program.

Question 18

When does Etihad Airways open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

Etihad Airways opens award bookings 330 days before departure. You can book Etihad Airways award flights using miles from their Etihad Guest loyalty program.

Question 19

When does Finnair open award bookings?

Accepted Answer

Finnair opens award bookings 361 days before departure. You can book Finnair award flights using miles from their Finnair Plus (Avios) loyalty program.

Airline Award Ticket Booking Windows

📅 Complete Award Ticket Booking Windows Guide

Popular Airlines: When Award Booking Opens

Aer Lingus

AeroMexico

Air Canada

Air France/KLM

Alaska Airlines

American Airlines

ANA

Avianca

British Airways

Airlines

Aer Lingus (355 Days Out)

AeroMexico (330 Days Out)

Air Canada (355 Days Out)

Air France/KLM (359 Days Out)

Alaska Airlines (330 Days Out)

American Airlines (331 Days Out)

ANA (355 Days Out)

Avianca (360 Days Out)

British Airways (355 Days Out)

Cathay Pacific (360 Days Out)

Delta Air Lines (331 Days Out)

Emirates (361 Days Out)

Etihad Airways (330 Days Out)

EVA Air (355 Days Out)

Finnair (361 Days Out)

Iberia (361 Days Out)

Qantas (353 Days Out)

Qatar Airways (361 Days Out)

Singapore Airlines (355 Days Out)

TAP Air Portugal (360 Days Out)

Turkish Airlines (355 Days Out)

United Airlines (337 Days Out)

Virgin Atlantic (331 Days Out)

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