Don't Let A Budget Stop You From Living Your Best Life!
/You can see the world for FREE by using miles and points. I just came back from a trip - flight paid for in points and airport parking paid for with rewards. I have another trip coming up, same scenario. 🤗🤗
One way to see the world or travel in style without breaking the bank is by using points or miles. There are several ways that you can earn miles or points and, without knowing and capitalizing on these opportunities, you may be foregoing a free trip or two!
Here are some of the ways you can easily accrue points and miles toward your next trip.
Through Flying: Airline Miles.
If you are already taking a few trips a year the first thing you should do is open accounts with the loyalty programs for the airlines you typically fly. These are free. Going forward, ensure that your loyalty account is associated with all your reservations to start earning miles. You will earn miles based on the number of miles flown and these miles convert to points in the airline’s reward program.
Also, pick an alliance. Collecting points on one airline is not always feasible, especially where international travel is concerned. In these instances, booking within an alliance program will help. Alliance programs are networks of airlines that work together, and honor points earned via each other’s reward programs. As a result of their partnership, loyalty members can consolidate and transfer points from one airline in the group to another. The current big three alliance programs are One World, Sky Team and Star Alliance.
Note: If you have flown within the last six (6) months without earning points you should contact the airline and request retroactive miles.
Through Spending: Credit Card Points
Another way to earn points is by signing up for credit cards that offer reward miles. There are many credit cards that provide this offer, some for specific airlines and others that work on any airline. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. However, since you are likely making everyday purchases more than you fly, making purchases on credit is an easier way to accrue points. Before going credit happy here are a few things to consider.
Select the card(s) based on your spending habits. A quick google search will connect you to web services that provide detailed break downs and comparisons of cards and help you to narrow your search to a few cards that best suit your needs.
Capitalize on the bonuses and benefits. Sign up for cards that offer good sign-on bonuses. Some offer discounts on the first flight purchased as well as spending bonus miles (usually enough for a trip of two) for purchases of a specific amount within the first month enrollment. If you plan on making a big purchase, a card with a sign-on bonus may pay-off. Additionally, most cards will provide double or more miles on specific purchases like dining out.
Factor in destinations and airports. Ensure that the card you select will work for your travel plans. For instance, if you select an airline specific credit card you should ensure that that airline flies to destinations that interest you.
Pay by charge, charge and pay. Capitalize on every opportunity there is to earn points by charging all your expenses, groceries, utilities and rent, to a credit card that earns points. Pay off the full balance of this credit card each month. It will not be worthwhile if you are accumulating large balances and paying interest. Also, be mindful of processing fees that may be associated with the use of credit for some services.
Note: If you already have a card that does not offer points but offers an interest rate that you are happy with, consider contacting the financial institution to convert the card to one that offers travel points. When I contacted Bank of America a few years ago to close an account that was not doing anything for me they lowered my interest rate and converted my credit card to one that earns points.
Through Other Travel Service Loyalty Programs: Hotel & Rental
Airline loyalty programs are not the only way through which you can earn points for flight rewards. Hotel and car rental loyalty programs also offer stay and rental points which you can convert to airlines points. So, even infrequent travelers should sign-up for hotel and loyalty points.
Through Other Activities:
Referrals - Some credit cards offer large referral bonuses to existing card holders. So, if you know of a family member or friend considering a credit card see about making a referral to earn bonus miles
Mile Boosters/ Buy Point - Many airlines will allow you to purchase additional miles at check out; some will allow you to purchase them at any time. I personally don’t recommend this option (because I am all about the savings or the something in return) but I can see how it may be useful if you are just a few miles away from redeeming a free flight. Essentially, it is another way for airlines to generate revenue, so you are spending more money on your trip.
Register for Dining Rewards - Some cards automatically offer extra points for dining; however, you can also link the card to a dining rewards program to maximize point earning potential. Register your card with a dining rewards program of your choice and pay with the card at participating restaurants. Some programs offer up to 5 points per dollar spent.
Linking Rideshare Accounts with Reward Programs:
Delta SkyMiles and Lyft Partnership: Earn 1 Delta mile per $1 spent on every U.S. Lyft Ride when you link your Delta and Lyft accounts.
JetBlue and Lyft Partnership: Earn 30 TrueBlue points for every airport ride you take when you link your JetBlue and Lyft accounts. Also, you will earn 750 TrueBlue Points or $15 off just for signing up and taking your first trip (airport ride). Note: you don't need to be a JetBlue member to earn the $15 off.
Take Surveys - if you have time to mindlessly scroll through your social media feeds you have time to take a few survey. Only catch is, you’ll be asked to disclose your shopping habits you can earn extra points this way.
Some popular options include:
E-Miles – earn miles for American Airlines, United, Alaska and Southwest.
E-Rewards – earn miles for American Airlines, Alaska, FlyingBlue (AirFrance, and KLM), Etihad, Virgin Atlantic, jetBlue, United and Frontier
Points for Surveys –jetBlue
The thousands of dollars that you spend each month will add up to a trip faster than you would imagine. However, earning the miles/points is just the beginning. The next step is to ensure that you are using your points in a manner that results in the most advantageous returns. Look for my next post on the subject.
This is Estoy Rey with tips for your next vacay!