FlyerTalker No-no - Give up the points?
Jun 1, 2002 | 10:46 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Santa Monica, CA, USA
Posts: 1,013
FlyerTalker No-no - Give up the points?
I was in Phoenix last week, and went out to lunch. My client offered to "take me to lunch". This was nice - they would pay and get reimbursed - or if I paid, I would get reimbursed anyway. So the company picks up the tab, regardless.
So while sitting in the restaurant I realized this was an Idine restaurant - if I paid, I'd get a bunch of miles.
But I didn't - I thought it would be tacky to say "gee, can I pay for this just so I can get more FF miles". But I couldn't help feeling like I was missing out.
What would you do?
So while sitting in the restaurant I realized this was an Idine restaurant - if I paid, I'd get a bunch of miles.
But I didn't - I thought it would be tacky to say "gee, can I pay for this just so I can get more FF miles". But I couldn't help feeling like I was missing out.
What would you do?
Jun 1, 2002 | 11:11 am
#2
Join Date: May 2002
Location: SNA
Programs: STARS/LUMINOUS, PRIVE, FSPP, STARS, MO FAN Club, PEN Club, Bellini Club
Posts: 2,612
I would simply have pulled out my credit-card first pretending an agreement where the client offered to pay never happened.
On the other hand, I have been that consultant who picks up that tab simply because its an iDine restaurant and I insist I pay (just to get the miles).
On the other hand, I have been that consultant who picks up that tab simply because its an iDine restaurant and I insist I pay (just to get the miles).
Jun 1, 2002 | 3:07 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA USA
Posts: 270
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So while sitting in the restaurant I realized this was an Idine restaurant - if I paid, I'd get a bunch of miles.</font>
So while sitting in the restaurant I realized this was an Idine restaurant - if I paid, I'd get a bunch of miles.</font>
jsy9999
Jun 1, 2002 | 6:48 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Once Seattle...then DC....now PMI.
Posts: 4,061
The trick is to get out your CC before the bill comes, and have it on standby. When the upgrade opportunity clears (the bill is delivered or the waiter comes by) approach the desk silently (give the card over) and just continue upon the flight route pre-established (your conversation you already have going on with the person). If they ask to downgrade you (offer to pay), just play dumb. Works every time.
Jun 2, 2002 | 4:30 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA 2.996MM & Plat Pro, DL 1MM, GM & Flying Colonel
Posts: 25,037
If you really know the client well, discuss it. Ask if he/she gets miles and, if not, say that you'd like to pay so that you will. You can mention that it eventually will come out of the same pocket anyhow.
If you don't know the client well enough to have that discussion, I'd put the business relationship ahead of the miles and do whatever will further it best.
If you don't know the client well enough to have that discussion, I'd put the business relationship ahead of the miles and do whatever will further it best.