This does not bode well for travelers who want to use their points for free trips. Not only are there too many points, there are also too few seats. In part because major carriers have drastically reduced seat capacity, more frequent flyer members than ever are coming up empty in their hunt for freebies.
If you plan to use your stash of miles to reduce business travel expenses, you'll need to:
- Work around the strengths and weaknesses of your carriers' program
- Put a value on your free ticket before hitting the "submit" button
- Consider using your points for hotel rooms, rental cars, office equipment, or even charitable contributions instead.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Know what you have -- when to hold 'em and when to spend 'em
Some frequent business travelers rack up points but have no plan for putting them to good use. Smart travelers know what they have and how best to use their points.I recommend: Consider a membership in MileageManager for an overview report of your points in each program you're enrolled in.
Earn even more: tap airline
First, pledge your loyalty to just a few airlines, those that fly the most extensive routes AND go where YOU need to go. Then tap into airline perks programs specially designed for small-and midsize businesses. Snag free tickets, upgrade certificates, airline club memberships and more. Important note! You'll earn frequent flyer miles on qualifying flights in addition to business bonus points.I recommend: Most airlines offer benefits to business travelers. United Airlines does it through its "PerksPlus" program. Look for Northwest's BizPerks, Delta's SkyBonus, American's Business ExtrAA. The discount carriers do it too: check out AirTran's a2B, Frontier's Business Travel Program (BTP) and JetBlue's TrueBlue frequent flyer program.
Use your points for something besides airline seats
If you can't score the free seats you want, consider using some of your points to upgrade your office equipment or purchase other merchandise that will benefit your business.I recommend: Look into swapping miles at Points.com . Consider a credit card that offers a wide selection of merchandise for miles
Give the gift that goes far
If there is no way you can realistically use your accumulated miles, consider donating them to charitable organizations.I recommend: For a general overview of the award donation process, including links to 80 charities that accept point donations from 17 frequent-flyer and hotel-loyalty plans, visit Mile Donor.
Learn from other frequent flyers
With over 180 million of them out there you can bet there is a lot of free advice available.I recommend: For tips and insights on how to choose and use frequent flyer miles, check out Frequent Flyer and Web Flyer. To talk with other frequent travelers, log on to Flyer Talk.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Don't play the field--pledge your loyalty to just one or two airlines that fly where you need to go.
- Choose hotel programs the same way. Big chains like Best Western, Marriott and Intercontinental (Holiday Inn) offer many property types to meet your diverse business travel needs.
- Calculate the value of your frequent flyer seat to get the most for the points you'll spend. Don't waste points on "cheap" seats.
- Keep an eye on program rules and expiration dates. Many airlines are tweaking the terms, and not to your advantage.
- If you accumulate points in an airline "perks" program, consider using them for upgrades and airline club memberships.
- Use perks points to incentify or reward your employees.
U.S. Bank® Flexperks
New Way To Earn Rewards With More Than 150 Airlines, No Blackout Dates and No Redemption Fees! Experience New FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa®.
www.FlexPerks.com
New Way To Earn Rewards With More Than 150 Airlines, No Blackout Dates and No Redemption Fees! Experience New FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa®.
www.FlexPerks.com
Frequent Flyer Programs: Virgin America
Join Elevate - Virgin America's Frequent Flyer Program. Earn Points and Enjoy the Benefits of Elevate.
www.VirginAmerica.com
Join Elevate - Virgin America's Frequent Flyer Program. Earn Points and Enjoy the Benefits of Elevate.
www.VirginAmerica.com
Frequent Flyer Rewards
Turn Business Purchases into Travel Rewards. Compare Cards and Apply!
www.AmericanExpress.com/Business
Turn Business Purchases into Travel Rewards. Compare Cards and Apply!
www.AmericanExpress.com/Business
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