As a business traveler, you'll want to take advantage of the many ways you can earn mileage points. Terms and conditions may vary depending on the airline, but most mileage programs include these basic opportunities to earn points:
1. Book Your Stay with a Partner Hotel
Most major airlines have agreements with hotels throughout the world
that benefit the business traveler and others. Here's how it works: You
earn points for booking your stay with a "partner" hotel, and you earn
more mileage points the longer you stay. For example, you can earn "x"
amount of miles for every dollar you spend. The terms will differ among
the airlines and the hotels.
2. Sign up with a Participating Cell Phone Provider
You can earn mileage points with many airlines just for using the services of participating cell phone providers. That may be a great opportunity to get more miles if you're switching plans or planning on getting a cell phone anyway. Major cell phone companies offer competitive rates, so the air miles might make the difference in deciding which to choose. Check the websites of both the cell phone companies and airlines, to see which would give you the best deal on combining mileage points with cell phone use.
3. Choose a Partner Rental Car Agency
You can get the same deal with car rentals as with your hotel stays. You'll either earn mileage points on a per dollar dollar basis, or a flat number of points for renting. Every company is different, so you should shop around and choose the best option. Compare your options carefully, and be sure to include any special offers or discounts. You can find an eligible list of rental car companies on the airline's website.
4. Eat at Partner Restaurants
The same applies to a number of restaurants in major cities. You can earn mileage points for every dollar you spend eating out if you're eating at a participating restaurant. Not only will you get to count your dining expenses as a business expense (if it meets the criteria), but you can also earn additional travel miles for your next flight. You can even earn mileage points on the sales taxes you pay on the meals. Before your next trip, get a list of any participating restaurants at your destination. There may even be participating restaurants right where you live. Your meal doesn't have to be business related in order to earn mileage points. You just have to spend money at a participating restaurant.
5. Shop at Participating Online Stores
You can earn mileage points for shopping at participating online stores. For example, if you buy supplies from Staples, you may be able to earn miles for every dollar you spend. If you're not sure which stores qualify, check out the websites of your favorite airlines for a complete list. It's important to get the best deal possible for whatever you buy though, because the miles you earn may not be worth the higher price on a single item.
These are just a few strategies you can use to save money on air travel, and therefore cut down on business expenses. Be sure to check with the airlines you use the most, to discover all the options available.