How to Get the Most Point Out of Your Trip

When people think about traveling, they usually think about accumulating air miles, enjoying the benefits of frequent flyer programs, and getting free flights to exotic destinations. However, in their excitement to rack up miles, many travelers overlook other opportunities that can enhance their travel experience and save them money. Award points can provide new ways to experience travel more often.

One of the most valuable resources for travelers is the potential to earn cash back or rewards through their credit cards. Many credit cards offer rewards programs that allow users to earn points or cash back on everyday purchases, which can then be redeemed for travel expenses, such as flights, hotel stays, or even dining experiences while on the road. By strategically using these cards for regular expenses, travelers can accumulate rewards without increasing their travel frequency.

Parking Options

Additionally, parking options can play a crucial role in saving on travel. Many airports and travel hubs offer discounted parking rates for travelers who book in advance or use specific credit cards. Some credit cards even provide complimentary parking services or discounts at specific locations, which can lead to significant savings, especially for those who travel frequently or for extended periods.

The longer your trip, the more rewards you can use for your next trip, and from that point they can continue to compound so every trip you take from that point on, you can use rewards! Off-airport reward programs can offer free car washes while you’re away on your trip when you use reward points as well.

PreFlight Airport Parking is the only offsite airport parking solution that lets you get a free day of parking after parking for 6 days with them. The reward system is quick, and points last for 3 years, so even if you’re a yearly traveler, you can still enjoy your family vacations with a free day of parking.

Hotel rewards programs

Many hotel chains offer loyalty programs that allow guests to earn points for each stay, which can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, or other perks. Even if someone only travels a couple of times a year, signing up for these programs can lead to substantial benefits, such as complimentary breakfasts, late check-outs, or access to exclusive member rates.

Moreover, travelers can also take advantage of various promotions and partnerships that credit card companies and travel providers offer. For instance, some credit cards may have partnerships with specific airlines or hotel chains, providing additional bonuses or discounts when booking through those channels.

Marriot Bonvoy: In compasses Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton, and Westin hotels

• They have over 30 different brands for you to choose from across over 140 different countries. You can also get rewards if you use their packages, where you can get special offers for bundling hotels, flights, rentals, and cruises together.

IHG Rewards: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Hotel Indigo

• With locations across over 100 different countries and having over 6,300 properties. You can use your points towards free nights, air miles, and towards online shopping.

World of Hyatt: Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency

• You can get over 1,300 properties across the world, and if you are part of the American Airlines AAdvantage programs, you can get extra points when you use one of their hotels. You can get room upgrades, free night awards, and get points on credit cards.

 

Rental Car Loyalty Programs

Car rental programs are great options for business travelers who drive a lot on their trips or travelers who enjoy the freedom of being able to drive themselves. Reward programs often include free car rental upgrades and discounts on rates.

Enterprise Plus: Includes brands such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo Rent A Car

• With four different levels of membership, you can get free car upgrades each year, points start after you have booked your fifth rental.

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards

• You can earn a point for every dollar you spend and can get free additional drivers. There are different levels of membership where you can earn more points for every dollar you spend and get car upgrades with your points.

We recommend checking if you are already part of an airline loyalty program. You can get automatic membership status at certain rental companies. You can also check your credit card benefits for the same benefits. 

Airline Alliance Programs

Alliance programs are partnerships between multiple airlines that allow travelers to earn and redeem miles across airline networks. This allows you to transfer points depending on your travel needs and helps offer a wider range of destinations or routes. Allowing you to base your travel plans on what you want rather than only having loyalty to one airline.

Star Alliance:

They covers 26 different airlines, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines. They offer a flight booking portal for seamless booking experience to make sure you get air mile credits for your flights rather than having to enter your frequent flyer number on other platforms. To join is incredibly easy, all you need to do to enroll is to enter into one of their 20 frequent flyer programs from one of their member airlines then you’ll have access to over 1,150 airports worldwide.

Benefits: Depending on your status, you can get:

• Priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding
• Airline discounts
• Free seat upgrades
• Access across 1000 network lounges
• If you are a corporate traveler, they offer cost-effective options for businesses where you can get up to 15% off flights

Oneworld:

Covers 13 different airlines such as American Airlines, British Airways Qantas, and Japan Airlines. They cover 170 countries and 900 airports.

Benefits: They offer 3 levels of membership

• Access across 620 network loungers
• Airline discounts
• Priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding
• Extra bag allowance

SkyTeam:

Covers 20 airlines, including Delta Airlines, Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. They cover over 184 countries and at over 1,100 different airports with access across 750 lounges. As an added benefit, if you are a corporate traveler, there are over 5 different programs depending on your company's needs.

Benefits: They have different 3 levels of membership

• Priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding
• Priority immigration and security lanes at each airport
• Guaranteed Y-class reservation for sold-out flights with at least 24 hours before a departure.

If you decide to use one of these, we recommend looking into their network. If you have a travel credit card like Delta SkyMiles Business American Express Card, AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard, or any card where you get special airline benefits make sure that airline is within the program you choose so you can get bonus air mile points.

 

To maximize your benefits across programs:

Choose a program that aligns with your travel preferences.

Think about how you normally travel and how frequently you travel to make sure the benefits are worth it and align with the destinations you normally visit. Not all programs are available at every airport or country so keep that in mind.

Check your credit cards

Most credit cards offer bonus points for travel expenses or have special partnerships with big brands to get better deals on your trips.

Stay informed about promotions and offers

Keep an eye out for limited-time promotions or offers to help you earn or redeem points more efficiently. Most brands will send out newsletters about program updates or special deals that are happening, so check your inbox and spam to keep up to date.

Using points for other expenses

If you can use your travel credit card ahead of time so you can rack up the points and use it towards any travel related expenses like travel insurance, new suitcases, airport parking, and more to help generate the most amount of points possible.

 

In summary, while airmiles are certainly a valuable aspect of travel, they are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. By being mindful of the various rewards and savings opportunities available through credit cards, parking options, hotel loyalty programs, and promotional offers, travelers can maximize their benefits without needing to increase their travel frequency. Even those who only embark on two trips a year can unlock a treasure trove of savings and rewards, making their travel experiences not only more enjoyable but also more economical.