Cheap award flights are usually found by travellers who search flexibly and across partner programmes, not by those who check one airline for one date.

Start with a window of dates rather than a single day. Shifting departure by a day or two, or using a nearby airport, often unlocks availability.

Search partner programmes for the same flight. A seat operated by one airline can cost far fewer miles, with lower fees, when booked through an alliance partner.

Always compare total cost: miles plus taxes and surcharges. A low miles price with huge fees is not a bargain, and a good award booked early beats a perfect one that never appears.