So was looking into planning a trip and got to thinking about my loyalty programs. I’m probably signed up for several and I have a ton of miles on my American Arilines credit card but I never really use them. I’ve worked in the Hotel industry and know that people who are savvy about exploiting the programs can really make a killing. That said, I have never really traveled enough or been diligent enough to do so myself.
I figured there are enough Type A people on the Dope who have put much more thought on the topic than I have. So a Poll was in order.
[ul]
[li]Do you use Frequent Flyer and Various Loyalty programs? [/li][li]Which ones? Airlines? Hotels? Dining? Others?[/li][li]Do you use multiple ones or steer everything to one program? [/li][li]Have you scored any awesome deals?[/li][li]Do you use the partner programs (using your airline FF# at your hotel) or do you opt for the in-house one every time? [/li][li]When you book do you pick hotels where you get points? [/li][/ul]
What do you think? Are they worth looking into these days? Which are best and which suck?
I try to steer as many as possible into my Lufthansa account, the reason is simply that I have amassed a lot of points on this account. It works well because as part of the Star Alliance, I can often access benefits like lounges in many different airports.
I also have enough points on Marriott to make it worth the trouble. I’ve been given some pretty good upgrades.
I think it is a mistake to spread the points over too many programs as it waters down any benefits.
ETA: I absolutely book according to who participates in programs and I make sure my office does as well when I travel for work.
At what price point might you change who you are booking with? I’ve found that when flight shopping it’s rare that I actually have a choice in airlines within a reasonable price difference. Typically if the difference in price is $50 I’m going with the cheap one and saying screw the miles.
I accumulate miles for the sole purpose of getting free flights to Hawaii. I’ve earned enough miles to book for 9 award RT flights, some first class, over 6 years just by channeling by everyday spending to my airline loyalty cards (Delta AMEX and United visa). The latter card is great because I earn double points on dining, groceries and gasoline purchases. Those add up quickly.
I also accumulate hotel points with my Marriott premier visa, but I only use that card if/when they’re running a double or triple point promo. I’ve used it to book nights for long weekends away.
The key with loyalty programs is that you need to book early (e.g. 331 days out) and/or check often if you want the best seats on the best flights.