How to Score a Free Flight Without Using Points

Most people think free flights are only possible if you rack up airline miles or credit card points. But what if you could travel for free without playing the points game? Whether it’s through travel hacks, promotions, or little-known airline loopholes, getting a free ticket is more possible than you think. Here’s how to do it.

1. Volunteer for Bump Compensation

Overbooked flights can be a traveler’s jackpot. Airlines often ask for volunteers to give up their seat in exchange for free flight vouchers, sometimes worth hundreds of dollars. The best part? These vouchers can often be used for any destination.

Pro tip: If you have a flexible schedule, book flights during peak travel times when airlines are most likely to overbook.

2. Use “Hidden City” Ticketing

Sometimes, a flight with a layover is cheaper than a direct ticket to the layover city itself. Websites like Skiplagged help you find these hidden city fares.

Example: Instead of booking a direct flight from New York to Chicago, a cheaper ticket might be New York to Denver with a layover in Chicago. You simply exit the airport at the layover city and skip the rest of the trip.

Warning: Airlines don’t like this trick, and it only works with one-way tickets (since missing a leg of your trip cancels the rest of your itinerary).

3. Enter Airline Contests and Giveaways

Airlines, travel websites, and influencers regularly host free flight giveaways. While winning isn’t guaranteed, entering contests costs nothing and takes only a few seconds.

Follow airlines on social media, sign up for travel newsletters, and keep an eye on platforms like The Flight Deal for giveaways.

4. Get an Airline Companion Pass

If you often travel with a partner, an airline companion pass can get you free flights. Some airlines offer companion deals where your travel buddy flies for free when you purchase a ticket.

• Southwest Airlines: Their Companion Pass lets a designated person fly free with you for up to two years.
• Alaska Airlines: Their annual companion fare sometimes includes a free ticket.

Even if you don’t have points, some promotions make it possible to get these passes without spending extra.

5. Look for Work-Exchange Travel Opportunities

Some travel programs offer free flights in exchange for work or volunteering. Options include:

• WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms): Some hosts provide airfare reimbursements for long-term volunteers.
• Peace Corps or Teach Abroad Programs: Many cover flights to and from your assignment.
• Flight Nanny Programs: Transporting rescue animals can sometimes get you free flights.

6. Get Sponsored for a Trip

Traveling for work, a conference, or even an event? Many companies, universities, and organizations cover travel costs for employees, speakers, and students. Look for:

• Industry conferences with travel stipends.
• Volunteer programs that include airfare.
• Journalism, photography, or influencer gigs that sponsor travel.

7. Complain (When It’s Justified)

Had a terrible flight experience? Airlines sometimes offer free flights or travel credits as compensation. If you’ve had a delayed flight, poor service, or baggage issues, filing a polite but firm complaint can get you free travel vouchers.

Pro tip: Always email customer service instead of complaining on social media—it’s more likely to get results.

8. Take Advantage of Airline Promotions

Airlines sometimes give away free tickets to promote new routes, celebrate anniversaries, or boost loyalty programs. Stay subscribed to airline newsletters and social media to catch these deals before they disappear.

The Verdict: Free Flights Are Possible

You don’t need a million airline miles to score free flights. Whether it’s volunteering to get bumped, using hidden city ticketing, or jumping on promotions, there are plenty of ways to travel for free. So before you pay full price, try these hacks—your next flight might just be on the house.