The best rewards program for the frequent flyer depends largely on the individual's preferences. Here are a few tips that can help you make the right decision.
"Brand Loyalty"
Rewards programs for frequent flyers are
often free to join, so travelers have a wide array of programs from
which to choose. However, the purpose of these programs - at least to
the companies offering them - is to ensure "brand loyalty." When it
comes to traveling, that means that these companies want frequent
flyers, the most profitable customers, to use only their airline and
their hotels and resorts.
The best way to get the most out of a rewards
program is for travelers to choose the brand that makes them the
happiest. If a traveler loves the service of a particular airline or
hotel/resort, joining the programs that airline offers is a smart idea.
Don't join rival airline programs and slowly accumulate points with
both, when membership and loyalty to one program can result in rewards
twice as fast.
Partnership Programs
Brand loyalty aside, there are a few
partnership programs that might interest frequent flyers who fly more
than one airline and stay in more than one hotel. These programs offer
points that can be used on multiple airlines and hotels. As membership
in many partnership programs is free, it makes sense for the frequent
traveler to enroll both in brand loyalty programs and partnership programs.
For
example, Delta Airlines offers its own SkyMiles reward program, and
when staying at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts as a Priority
Club Rewards member, travelers can earn bonus mileage points toward
Delta Airlines tickets.
Mileage Points
Don't underestimate the importance of mileage
points bonuses. Often listed as a "100% mileage bonus," what this means
is that the traveler will earn twice as many mileage points per flight.
Mileage points bonuses actually differ a lot from program to program,
and from one level of membership to the next within a program. "25%
mileage bonus," for example, offers only 1.25 times as many miles per
flight, whereas "125% mileage bonus" offers 2.25 times as many. That's
a great difference for frequent flyers.
If
necessary, skip the convenient but unnecessary amenities like priority
check-in and seating in favor of a program with higher mileage points
bonuses, as these bonuses can be used for flight discounts, merchandise
and other rewards.
Getting Promotions
The easiest way to get more out of a rewards program is to get promoted
to a higher level of membership. Before travelers join a program, they
should look at the different levels of membership, their individual
benefits and the steps necessary to get promotions (usually the more
miles traveled, the better the promotion). A better entry level
membership may be best for an infrequent flyer, whereas a frequent
flyer might get more out of a program with better high level benefits.Travelers in search of the best rewards program need to examine what the programs offer and decide based on their own brand preferences and annual mileage. If they want to get the most out of their miles, travelers should not join more than a few programs.