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With more and more restrictions on frequent flyer programs, travelers must be savvy about earning and using mileage awards. Los Angeles resident Margaret Hoyos, 56, who managed to fly on three free tickets last year, agrees: "I work [my] miles the best I can."

Make miles work for you:

Be flexible. "Think of where everybody else wants to go and do the opposite," suggests Tim Winship, editor-at-large for smartertravel.com. Many websites, such as bestfares.com and petergreenberg.com, also offer travel deals and airline news updates.

Earn and burn. Avoid losing miles to airline bankruptcies or having to use more miles when reward rules change. Use miles quickly, including at hotels and car rental agencies. Earn more using your credit card.

Read the fine print. Review your travel patterns, learn which fees you might incur, such as for checking baggage, and know blackout and mile-expiration dates. Use fees as a tiebreaker when comparing airline deals, advises Winship.