Managing Frequent-Travel Programs

Youve got all those miles and points, so now what?

By Betty W. Stark, Business travel consultant and columnist, Stark Consulting

Frequent-travel plans that give business travelers something in exchange for being a loyal customer can be very, very addictive. Many frequent travelers have been hooked by the thrill of chasing more and more miles and points in a seemingly headlong quest for... what? Now that you have those goodies stashed away, do you know what they are worth and when, if ever, you can use them?

Clouding the answer to that question is the fact that the airlines, hotels, and car rental companies that have bestowed the points and miles are now changing the rules about how they can be used. In some instances, they are canceling points if there has been no recent activity in the account, or upping the number of points and miles needed to score an award.

To maximize the benefits of your programs, you need to:

1. Know the rules that govern your frequent flyer/frequent guest programs.
2. Know what points/miles you have in each program.
3. Calculate the “true” value of each reward.
4. Consider exchanging miles for merchandise.
5. Find out how other travelers do it.

Know the rules for each program

Even if you think you know what’s happening in each of the frequent traveler programs you belong to, a refresher might be in order. Some airlines and hotels have increased the number of points required for a minimum award, and some are imposing expiration dates. Some car rental companies are tacking on fees if you use points to reduce the cost of your rental.
Try: For links to most major loyalty programs, visit the Official Airline Guide (OAG) or Frequent Flier.com

Verify the current balances in your programs

Some travel vendors are better than others at crediting members’ accounts. Log on to your member programs from time to time to be certain the balances are up to date. If you find an error, contact that vendor immediately (note: you might be asked to provide proof that you took the flight (a boarding pass) or stayed at the hotel (a final accounting of your stay).
Try: Visit your airlines’ Web sites and log on to your membership program. Look into the current status of you hotel and rental car programs too. Consider a membership in MileageManager for an overview report of your points in each program you’re enrolled in.

Maximize each mile and point

Unless you have more than you’ll ever use in a lifetime, never waste points and miles on “cheap” rewards. Before clicking the “Submit” button, check the Internet for the best deals on that same ticket, hotel room or rental car to be certain you’ll receive maximum value for the points you’ll relinquish.
Try: For speedy air searches, use SideStep, Kayak, and Mobissimo (rated best for international carriers). Check Hotels.com, Hotwire.com and Quikbook for hotel deals. For a fast scan of rental car options from several companies, check out BreezeNet.

Know the ropes before using points for merchandise

If you’re thinking about using miles for merchandise, do your homework first! Major airlines have teamed up with a long list of shopping partners in an effort to get you to give up some of your miles for “stuff” rather than free seats. If your airline Web site has an Internet link directly from its membership page to a merchandise partner, be sure to also compare the cost of that item on the partner’s general Web site. You might find the cost at the “public” Web site is lower.
Try: Smarter Travel reviews the merchandise programs of three major airlines. Apply these same comparison techniques to your own programs.

Trade ideas with other frequent travelers

Whether you’re new to the rewards game or a long-time road warrior, it doesn’t hurt to ask other frequent travelers how they maximize the value of their programs.
Try: Log on to Flyer Talk for opinions and answers. At Web Flyer, you'll find inside scoop on major programs (including short-term bonuses and promotions that you might otherwise miss), tips, and the tools to manage your mileage stash. Be sure to sign up for their Miles Link Newsletter too.