Travel hacking can seem like a full-time job, as the world of loyalty programs, partnerships, and bonus earning opportunities is constantly evolving. However, there are several ways to make the rewards of every dollar spent while traveling. Here are six innovative ways to maximize your rewards.
Firstly, discounts for young travelers can be beneficial for flyers of any age. United Airlines’ Young Traveler program offers a 5% discount on flights booked via its app for flyers aged 18 to 23. Qatar Airways’ Student Club extends discounts of up to 20% to any enrolled college student up to age 30. Frontier’s Discount Den, which costs $100 to sign up for your first year, allows each paying adult to bring one child under 15 for free on certain round-trip domestic US flights.
Secondly, linking partner programs can provide significant perks. By linking United Gold status with Marriott, members can obtain instant Gold status with Marriott. Moreover, Titanium status with Marriott makes members eligible for United’s Silver tier, resulting in more bonus points and a better chance for an upgrade. American and Hyatt members earn points for both loyalty programs any time they do business with either brand simultaneously. Delta has special relationships with Starbucks, Lyft, and Airbnb, allowing members to earn additional SkyMiles for any Starbucks purchase, ride, or lodging booking.
Thirdly, don’t overlook the free breakfast perks offered by loyalty programs like Leaders Club, the loyalty program for Leading Hotels of the World, which offers free breakfast to all its members, plus certain other perks such as early check-in or late checkout. Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors also refund members for every fifth consecutive night, which is almost like earning 20% off every stay.
Fourthly, dining out at restaurants that are part of the Rewards Network can be rewarding, as members can earn miles or points in different loyalty programs for every dollar spent. Shopping portals such as United Airlines MileagePlus Shopping can earn members points with more than 1,000 online retailers, sometimes at rates that exceed 10 miles per dollar. Moreover, members of Choice Privileges can use their points for stays at Preferred Hotels & Resorts, including such luxury boltholes as the all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico.
Fifthly, score points on every part of your trip, as the titans of hospitality understand that members want to earn and spend rewards on every type of travel. Airlines offer cruise arms that invite members to earn miles for every dollar spent on a voyage at sea. Members can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for a sailing with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and World of Hyatt has a connection with Lindblad Expeditions for the same benefit. Homes & Villas by Marriott allows members to earn or redeem Marriott points on estate, villa or residence bookings. Members can also earn or redeem points for tours and activities at their destination on platforms such as FIND Experiences by World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities.
In conclusion, the world of travel rewards can be confusing, but by taking advantage of discounts, linking partner programs, not overlooking the free breakfast, dining out, scoring points on every part of your trip, and using shopping portals, members can maximize their rewards for every dollar spent while traveling.